1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Renault Espace
To start off, 2007 Renault Espace is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Renault Espace (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Espace weights approximately 850 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Renault Espace, 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, 2007 Renault Espace (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2007 Renault Espace has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Espace |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2870 mm |
