1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Peugeot 505
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Peugeot 505. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Peugeot 505 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Peugeot 505 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 505. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 505. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Peugeot 505 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1979 Peugeot 505 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Peugeot 505 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Peugeot 505 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 505 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 56 L |
