2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Peugeot 505
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Peugeot 505. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Peugeot 505 would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Peugeot 505 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Peugeot 505 (130 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Peugeot 505 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Peugeot 505 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Peugeot 505 (185 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Peugeot 505 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Peugeot 505 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 505 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
