2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (165 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 279 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
Model | Passat | MX-5 MIATA |
Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1182 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4032 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1255 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2330 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |