1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 150 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
