2009 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1168 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
Model | Passat | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1798 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 | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |