2011 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 423 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Sharan | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1723 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4854 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1904 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2919 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
