2008 Mazda 5 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Mazda 5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 5. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 5 weights approximately 121 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 5. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 5. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 5 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 5 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
