2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 81 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 225 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1077 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |