2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 396 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (240 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
