2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
