2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 228 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 9.4 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 | 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 | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
