1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Citroen C5
To start off, 2012 Citroen C5 is newer by 16 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 1,748 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Citroen C5 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C5 weights approximately 659 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, 2012 Citroen C5, 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, 2012 Citroen C5 (170 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C5 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 | 2012 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Citroen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | C5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1624 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2820 mm |
