2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Mazda 2
To start off, 2013 Mazda 2 is newer by 5 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 2 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 253 kg more than 2013 Mazda 2.
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, 2013 Mazda 2 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1043 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
