1989 Citroen XM vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Citroen XM 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 37 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 257 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Citroen XM, 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Citroen XM | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | XM | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1904 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2329 mm |
