Volkswagen Golf 2012 vs Mazda 3 2013
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.4 Petrol | 1.5 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: | 122 HP | 120 HP | |
| Torque: | 200 NM | 150 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.3 seconds | 11.7 seconds | |
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Volkswagen Golf is more dynamic to drive. Volkswagen Golf engine produces 2 HP more power than Mazda 3, whereas torque is 50 NM more than Mazda 3. Thanks to more power Volkswagen Golf reaches 100 km/h speed 2.4 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.0 | 5.8 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.8 l/100km | 7.3 l/100km | |
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The Volkswagen Golf is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Volkswagen Golf consumes 0.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 3, which means that by driving the Volkswagen Golf over 15,000 km in a year you can save 120 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Volkswagen Golf consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 3. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 litres | 51 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1000 km in combined cycle | 870 km in combined cycle | |
| 730 km with real consumption | 690 km with real consumption | ||
| Volkswagen Golf gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Ground clearance: | 142 mm (5.6 inches) | 155 mm (6.1 inches) | |
| Because of the higher ground clearance, Mazda 3 can perform better on bad roads - it can go over higher obstacles and bumps. At the same time, the higher ground clearance can reduce stability and handling on paved roads, especially at higher speeds. Note, however, that this Mazda 3 version does not have 4x4 drive, which is very important in poor road conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 350'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 2 years | 12 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Used also on Mazda 2 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mazda 3 might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.26 m | 4.47 m | |
| Width: | 1.80 m | 1.80 m | |
| Height: | 1.45 m | 1.45 m | |
| Volkswagen Golf is 21 cm shorter than the Mazda 3, width is practically the same also the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 380 litres | 364 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
1270 litres | 1263 litres | |
| Even though the car is shorter, Volkswagen Golf has 16 litres more trunk space than the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 may have more interior space, so the cabin could be more spacious and more comfortable for the driver and passengers. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in Volkswagen Golf (by 7 litres). | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.9 meters | 10.6 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Volkswagen Golf is 0.3 metres more than that of the Mazda 3. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`750 | no data | |
| Safety: | |||
| The Mazda 3 scores higher in active safety technologies (stability control, lane assist, automatic braking, etc.) tests. | |||
| Quality: | average | average | |
| Mazda 3 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Volkswagen Golf, so Mazda 3 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 8600 | 7000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Volkswagen Golf has
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Mazda 3 has
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