1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Peugeot 504
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Peugeot 504. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Peugeot 504 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Peugeot 504 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Peugeot 504. (91 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Peugeot 504. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Peugeot 504 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Peugeot 504. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Peugeot 504. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1978 Peugeot 504 has manual transmission. 1978 Peugeot 504 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Peugeot 504 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 504 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2910 mm |
