Audi A3 2008 vs Mazda MX-5 2009
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.0 Diesel | 2.0 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 140 HP | 160 HP | |
| Torque: | 320 NM | 188 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.7 seconds | 7.6 seconds | |
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Mazda MX-5 is a more dynamic driving. Audi A3 engine produces 20 HP less power than Mazda MX-5, but torque is 132 NM more than Mazda MX-5. Due to the lower power, Audi A3 reaches 100 km/h speed 2.1 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.3 | 7.6 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 5.9 l/100km | 8.4 l/100km | |
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The Audi A3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Audi A3 consumes 2.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mazda MX-5, which means that by driving the Audi A3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 345 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Audi A3 consumes 2.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mazda MX-5. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 50 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1030 km in combined cycle | 650 km in combined cycle | |
| 1240 km on highway | 840 km on highway | ||
| 930 km with real consumption | 590 km with real consumption | ||
| Audi A3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Audi A3) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (Mazda MX-5) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 390'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 8 years | 13 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 12 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Sharan | Installed on at least 4 other car models, including Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda CX-5 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The Audi A3 engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.24 m | 4.02 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.72 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.26 m | |
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Audi A3 is larger. Audi A3 is 22 cm longer than the Mazda MX-5, 4 cm wider, while the height of Audi A3 is 17 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 260 litres | 150 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
674 litres | no data | |
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Audi A3 has more luggage capacity. Audi A3 has 110 litres more trunk space than the Mazda MX-5. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.7 meters | 10 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Audi A3 is 0.7 metres more than that of the Mazda MX-5, which means Audi A3 can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`975 | 1`375 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | high | above average | |
| Audi A3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mazda MX-5 has serious deffects in 15 percent more cases than Audi A3, so Audi A3 quality is probably better | |||
| Average price (€): | 6200 | no data | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Audi A3 has
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Mazda MX-5 has
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