2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 6 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 77 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5, 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (225 Nm). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | T5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
