2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (142 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 777 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
