2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 528 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (211 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
