2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 3 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 345 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, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1373 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
