2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1994 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Parati. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Parati would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Parati. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 50 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Parati. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 1994 Volkswagen Parati (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1994 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Parati |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1994 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
