2012 Mazda 2 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (95 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 410 kg more than 2012 Mazda 2. 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 Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (205 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 2 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1695 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1475 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2489 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 62 L |
