2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 271 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
