2000 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 21 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2329 mm |
