2010 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 952 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1363 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 3001 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
