1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 313 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | MX-5 Miata | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1338 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |