2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,921 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1180 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 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 568 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
