1980 Renault 5 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 206 kg more than 1980 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Renault 5 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Renault | Mazda |
| Model | 5 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 48 L |
