Mazda Miata vs Volkswagen Beetle
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
Overview
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Cloth | 2.0T S |
| Body style | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2005 | 2019 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,098 | $20,895 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 26 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 142 hp | 174 hp (best) |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.8 L | 2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 4 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 3 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 5.1 cu ft | 29.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 705 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,447 lbs (best) | 3,045 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 4 in | 5.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 89.2 in | 100.1 in (best) |
| Length | 155.3 in | 168.8 in (best) |
| Width | 66.1 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 48.3 in | 58.6 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda Miata | Volkswagen Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cloth $22,098 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.0T S $20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $24,903 MSRP | 2.0T S $25,995 MSRP |
| 3 | Base $25,780 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $23,045 MSRP |
| 4 | Grand Touring $26,580 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $27,295 MSRP |
| 5 | — | 2.0T SE $24,395 MSRP |
| 6 | — | 2.0T SE $28,395 MSRP |
| 7 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $25,995 MSRP |
| 8 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $29,995 MSRP |