2006 Audi A6 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Audi A6 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Audi A6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A6 (296 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A6 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Audi A6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A6 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Audi A6 (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Audi A6 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Audi A6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A6 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | A6 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
