1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1994 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 225 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1994 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1994 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
