1988 Renault 21 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 21 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 21 weights approximately 16 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21, 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1988 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1988 Renault 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 21 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Renault | Mazda |
| Model | 21 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2329 mm |
