2010 Mazda 3 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 145 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1363 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
