2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,998 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 132 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2005 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, 2005 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
