2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1108 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
