2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 4 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 139 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (193 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Mazda 6 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. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 16.2 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
