2003 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 390 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Passat | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.3 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 48 L |
