2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1995 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Sharan. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 620 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, 1995 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 1995 Volkswagen Sharan (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1995 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
