1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 113 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1138 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
