2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2005). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 255 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
