2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 153 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | New Beetle | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1292 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
