2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 107 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
