2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 209 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1348 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
