1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 645 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, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
