1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18, 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, 1978 Renault 18 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 18 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 53 L |
