1974 Citroen CX vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen CX (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 300 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 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX, 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, 1974 Citroen CX (161 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen CX | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2270 mm |
