1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 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 1,647 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 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 60 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1996 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 1996 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 (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Renault 18 | |
Make | Mazda | Renault |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 18 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1647 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 78 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 136 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |