2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 85 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2008 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
