1971 Citroen DS vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1971 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen DS weights approximately 157 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen DS | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | DS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2340 mm |
