2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 16 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
