2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
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 Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 386 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1706 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
