2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 190 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Jetta |
Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1779 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 134 Nm | 156 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2480 mm |