2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 179 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
