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Mazda MX-5 Roadster vs VW Golf – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mazda MX-5 Roadster or VW Golf?

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

MX-5 Roadster @ de.mazda-press.com

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster costs 28400 £. That’s a price difference of around 3253 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 0.30 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mazda MX-5 Roadster with 6.20 L. The difference is about 5.90 L per 100 km.

Golf @ Volkswagen

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a clearly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 201 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster takes 8.30 s. That’s about 3.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster tops out at 204 km/h. The difference is around 66 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls decisively stronger with 420 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 268 Nm difference.

MX-5 Roadster @ de.mazda-press.com

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 Golf offers clearly more seating capacity – 5 vs 2.

In curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Roadster is evident lighter – 1078 kg compared to 1307 kg. The difference is around 229 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers convincingly more room – 381 L compared to 130 L. That’s a difference of about 251 L.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf significantly takes the win – 508 kg compared to 152 kg. That’s a difference of about 356 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £25,200
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VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.3 - 8.2 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster offers a quintessential open-top driving experience, blending elegance and performance seamlessly. Its lightweight structure enhances agility, making every winding road a joy to navigate. With a classic design and a focus on driver engagement, it continues to capture the hearts of motoring enthusiasts.

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2023_mazda_mx-5_global_still_006_highres @ de.mazda-press.com
2023_mazda_mx-5_global_still_007_highres @ de.mazda-press.com
2023_mazda_mx-5_portugal_int_002_highres @ de.mazda-press.com

VW Golf

Der VW Golf überzeugt seit Jahrzehnten durch seine Vielseitigkeit und seine ausgewogene Mischung aus Komfort und Dynamik. Mit seinem zeitlosen Design und der hochwertigen Verarbeitung ist er ein treuer Begleiter im Alltag. Besonders beliebt ist der Golf wegen seiner innovativen Technologie und der großen Auswahl an Varianten, die für jeden Bedarf das passende Modell bietet.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen
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DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen
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Mazda MX-5 Roadster
VW Golf
MX-5 Roadster
Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
28400 - 33800 £
Price
25200 - 51600 £
Consumption L/100km
6.20 L
Consumption L/100km
0.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
140 g/km
co2
6 - 186 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
2
Doors
5
Curb weight
1078 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1668 kg
Trunk capacity
130 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
3915 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1735 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1225 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
152 kg
Payload
431 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
132 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.30 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
204 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
152 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
97 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1496 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F, G, C
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW

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What drivetrain options does the Mazda MX-5 Roadster have?

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster is offered with 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.