2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 390 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Passat |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
