2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 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 (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 134 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
