2004 Renault Laguna vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Laguna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Laguna would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2004 Renault Laguna. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Laguna weights approximately 335 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Laguna, 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, 2004 Renault Laguna (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2004 Renault Laguna has manual transmission. 2004 Renault Laguna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Laguna | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Renault | Mazda |
| Model | Laguna | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
