1978 Citroen CX vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Citroen CX. (74 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Citroen CX weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen CX. (149 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen CX | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
