2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 69 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
