2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 294 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
