1986 Citroen CX vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,165 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen CX (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen CX weights approximately 415 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Citroen CX (178 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen CX | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2165 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2270 mm |
