1996 Citroen Xantia vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen Xantia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen Xantia would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Citroen Xantia, 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Xantia. (156 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Xantia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Xantia | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Xantia | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1762 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2340 mm |
