1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1080 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 2035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
