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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 725 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 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 |
