2005 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 227 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (165 Nm). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Jetta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1366 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
