2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 261 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2013 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. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
