2008 Audi A3 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, both 2008 Audi A3 and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Audi A3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 235 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, 2008 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, 2008 Audi A3 (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Audi A3 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Audi Mazda
Model A3 MX-5 Miata
Year Released 2008 2008
Body Type Hatchback Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1984 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 148 HP 159 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 201 Nm 188 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82.5 mm 87.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92.8 mm 83.1 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline - Premium
Top Speed 214 km/hour 210 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 9.1 seconds 7.9 seconds
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1390 kg 1155 kg
Vehicle Length 4210 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1250 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 7 L/100km 7.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 50 L