2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 111 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
