1998 Audi A4 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Audi A4 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 Audi A4. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Audi A4 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Audi A4, 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, 1998 Audi A4 (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A4 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | A4 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2270 mm |
