The TDI Touareg is faster to 60, 6.9s but, if you go by a more real world number, the 5-60 is just 7.7s.
The big advantage of the CX-9 is that the 0-60 is almost the same as the 5-60 number, 7.8 vs 7.9s, meaning in the real world, you get great acceleration without brake torquing, etc.
But, the TDI loses steam as it rolls, that is why the 1/4 mile is 15.9 vs 16.0 of the CX-9. See how that huge advantage disappeared? Yes, because the TDI only traps at 85 mph, while the CX-9 traps at 88 mph.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2011-volkswagen-touareg-tdi-test-reviews
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2010-mazda-cx-9-awd-quick-test
The thing is, with Motor Trend testing, it is even quicker, and the gap becomes even bigger, with a trap speed of 89.6 mph.
Evidently, you can come behind a Touareg and you can pass it easily, because you pull harder and harder the more speed you reach.
And now via this testing, 0-60 is just 7.3s , and the 1/4 mile in just 15.6. Faster 1/4 mile.
http://www.motortrend.com/av/roadtests/suvs/1103_2011_mazda_cx_9_video/
Of course, that is you like the sound and the behaviour and the aural pleasure of driving a diesel, which of course for me it doesn`t.
Why? Because is just too darn boring. Reving to only 4k rpms gets me to peak horsepower, and then what? Is that all you got? And that sound? And what about the sound coming out of the exhaust? Naaah.
I like what new diesels bring to the table, because they keep getting better, just as gasoline engines, but the inherent caracteristics of the diesel engine are still there, and you either like them, or you don`t.
You've evidently not driven a German diesel lately. I own both of these vehicles and the kick in the rear of the TDI is unmistakeable. The TDI diesel is quieter than the CX-9. You also forgot to mention the Touareg is carrying a full time heavy duty AWD and weighs 600lbs. more than the CX-9. The 8 speed trans does not let the Touareg "run out of steam". I can pass cars on the interstate while pulling a 5000 lb enclosed trailer like its nothing. Oh, BTW, how about 33mpg at 80mph all day long. The best I can do on the CX-9 is 22mpg and I have to stay below 75mph, otherwise, mpg goes below 20mpg. Now, I have also owned the Touareg V10 TDI. It will blow the doors off the CX-9 and still get better mileage. The best CX-9 was the one with the 3.5 liter engine. I could at least get 28mpg on the highway with our 07' CX-9 and performance is similar to our 11' CX-9. Still a head scratcher why Mazda repalced the 3.5 liter with the inferior mileage 3.7 liter.