2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,998 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 103 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
