1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 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. Both 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 2008 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 523 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
