2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 174 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
