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Mazda MX-5 Roadster vs VW Grand California comparison

Compare performance (132 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (29,000 £ vs 70,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda MX-5 Roadster or VW Grand California?

Mazda MX-5 Roadster vs VW Grand California: Key differences

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

4.1 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • substantially lighter
  • substantially more trunk space
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VW Grand California

  • a bit more power
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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

MX-5 Roadster

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster is considerably cheaper – starting at 29,000 £ , while the VW Grand California costs 70,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 41,274 £.

Grand California

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 Grand California offers a bit more power – delivering 163 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 31 HP more horsepower.

MX-5 Roadster

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: VW Grand California offers more seats – 4 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Roadster is substantially lighter – 1,078 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 1,974 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster offers substantially more boot space – 130 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 130 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Grand California carries considerably more – 448 kg compared to 152 kg. That’s a difference of about 296 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,000
MX-5 Roadster

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manual
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 132 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 6.2 L/100km
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Mazda MX-5 Roadster
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 is a featherweight, open-top sports car that turns ordinary roads into a grin-inducing playground thanks to razor-sharp steering and an engaging, tactile gearbox. It won’t swallow the weekly shopping or ski bags, but for anyone after pure driving fun and sun-on-your-face weekends, few cars match its sheer charm and value.

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Reviews Mazda MX-5 Roadster

4.1 (1 Reviews)
rate
Oliel
9 Aug 2026, 14:18:24

Good Car, much fun, very lightweight, can fit loads of grocheries in the trunk, great family car

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Reviews VW Grand California

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Mazda MX-5 Roadster
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,000 - 34,300 £
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Consumption L/100km
6.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
140 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Bus
Seats
2
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,078 kg
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Trunk capacity
130 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
-
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Width
1,735 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Height
-
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
152 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manual
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
132 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
152 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
97 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Mazda MX-5 Roadster?

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

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.