2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 4 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 212 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 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
