2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 225 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
