1976 Citroen CX vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Citroen CX. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Citroen CX weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1976 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, 1976 Citroen CX (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen CX | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1025 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
