1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 367 kg more than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
