2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 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 49 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 345 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
