2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. Both 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 2013 Volkswagen Jetta are equipped with a 2,000 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 150 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 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 | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1289 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
