1974 Citroen GS vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 168 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | GS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1222 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
