1971 Citroen GS vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1971 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 135 kg more than 1971 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen GS, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen GS | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | GS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
