2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 607 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
