2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 197 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
