2007 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Audi A3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Audi A3 weights approximately 321 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3, 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, 2007 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2007 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | A3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
