1978 Citroen Visa 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 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 406 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Citroen Visa, 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 (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (51 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Visa | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 734 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
