1996 Citroen Saxo vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen Saxo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen Saxo would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 185 kg more than 1996 Citroen Saxo. 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, 1996 Citroen Saxo, 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (111 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Saxo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Saxo | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Saxo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1358 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
