2008 Audi A3 vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 2002 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | A3 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
