2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
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 Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2790 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.7 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
