2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 119 kg more than 2013 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Passat | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
