1974 Citroen SM 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 SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen SM would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen SM (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 310 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 SM, 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 SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Citroen SM | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Citroen | Mazda |
Model | SM | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 50 L |