2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 3 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), 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 366 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| 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 | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
