Mazda MX-5 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 MX-5 MiataSport | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sport | 2.0T S |
| Body style | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2019 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda MX-5 MiataSport | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,430 | $20,895 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $19,620 (best) | $29,990 |
| Median listing price | $30,697 | $29,990 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $39,125 | $29,990 (best) |
| For sale now | 16 (best) | 1 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda MX-5 MiataSport | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 33 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 11.9 gal | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda MX-5 MiataSport | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 181 hp (best) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda MX-5 MiataSport | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 4 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 3 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 4.6 cu ft | 29.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 705 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,366 lbs (best) | 3,045 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 5.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 90.9 in | 100.1 in (best) |
| Length | 154.1 in | 168.8 in (best) |
| Width | 68.3 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 48.8 in | 58.6 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda MX-5 MiataSport | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 3 |
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 MX-5 Miata | Volkswagen Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sport $30,430 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.0T S $20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Club $33,930 MSRP | 2.0T S $25,995 MSRP |
| 3 | Grand Touring $35,730 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $23,045 MSRP |
| 4 | Grand Touring $36,650 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SE $27,295 MSRP |
| 5 | Grand Touring $38,450 MSRP | 2.0T SE $24,395 MSRP |
| 6 | Grand Touring $39,420 MSRP | 2.0T SE $28,395 MSRP |
| 7 | Club $41,900 MSRP | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $25,995 MSRP |
| 8 | — | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $29,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Mazda MX-5 Miata16 for sale
See all
Certified2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Sport
Jet Black Mica•Black6,887 mi$30,437Beaver Mazda of Cumming
Cumming, GA
Certified2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Grand Touring
Snowflake White Pearl Mica•Tan583 mi$34,990J Allen Mazda
Gulfport, MS
Used2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Club
Blue•BLACK13,981 mi$31,561Mazda of Gainesville
Gainesville, FL
New2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Grand Touring
Soul Red Crystal Metallic•black5 mi$39,125Lawrence Hall Mazda
Abilene, TX
Used2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Grand Touring
Black46,713 mi$26,391Land Rover St Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL
Certified2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Grand Touring
Soul Red Crystal Metallic•Black4,091 mi$34,198Capital Mazda of Cary
Cary, NC
Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Volkswagen Beetle FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle starts lower at $20,895. Live Mazda MX-5 Miata listings start at $19,620. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,895).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata leads on horsepower in this comparison (181).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on seats in this comparison (4).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).