2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 2008 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 228 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
