1996 Volkswagen Sharan vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 577 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Sharan | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
