2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. 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 (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 174 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
