2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
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 Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 369 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.1 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
