1978 Audi 100 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Audi 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Audi 100 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Audi 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Audi 100. (70 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Audi 100 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Audi 100, 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Audi 100. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Audi 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Audi 100 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | 100 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
