2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
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 Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 2,495 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1113 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 180 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
