@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Mazda MX-5 Coupe vs VW Polo - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (132 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (30800 £ vs 17000 £) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda MX-5 Coupe or VW Polo?

Mazda MX-5 Coupe

VW Polo

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MX-5 Coupe @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Polo has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 17000 £, while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe costs 30800 £. That’s a price difference of around 13847 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Polo manages with 5.10 L and is therefore clearly perceptible more efficient than the Mazda MX-5 Coupe with 6.20 L. The difference is about 1.10 L per 100 km.

Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Polo has a noticeable edge – offering 207 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 75 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe takes 8.60 s. That’s about 2.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Polo performs slightly better – reaching 240 km/h, while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe tops out at 203 km/h. The difference is around 37 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Polo pulls significantly stronger with 320 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 168 Nm difference.

MX-5 Coupe @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: VW Polo offers significantly more seating capacity – 5 vs 2.

In curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Coupe is minimal lighter – 1116 kg compared to 1143 kg. The difference is around 27 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Polo offers convincingly more room – 351 L compared to 127 L. That’s a difference of about 224 L.

When it comes to payload, VW Polo significantly takes the win – 457 kg compared to 164 kg. That’s a difference of about 293 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Polo proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Polo is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £17,000
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Polo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L
Mazda MX-5 Coupe
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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Mazda MX-5 Coupe

The Mazda MX-5 is a delightfully pure driver's car, wrapped in a compact package and tuned to make steering inputs feel like a conversation rather than a chore. It won’t overwhelm you with gadgetry, but what it delivers—nimble handling, instant feedback and an honest grin every time you drive—makes it a brilliant choice for anyone who values fun over flash.

details

VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

details
Mazda MX-5 Coupe
VW Polo
MX-5 Coupe @ Mazda Motor Corporation
Polo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
30800 - 36200 £
Price
17000 - 30400 £
Consumption L/100km
6.20 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
140 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
2
Doors
5
Curb weight
1116 kg
Curb weight
1143 - 1378 kg
Trunk capacity
127 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
3915 mm
Length
4074 mm
Width
1735 mm
Width
1751 mm
Height
1230 mm
Height
1431 - 1451 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1125 L
Payload
164 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
132 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.60 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
203 km/h
Max Speed
171 - 240 km/h
Torque
152 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
97 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1496 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mazda MX-5 Coupe have?

The Mazda MX-5 Coupe is available as Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.