2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 466 kg more than 2008 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 Sharan (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1706 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
