2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
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 Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 575 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.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1347 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
