2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
