2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Laguna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Laguna would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Renault Laguna. (118 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Laguna weights approximately 145 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Laguna. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Laguna. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1998 Renault Laguna has manual transmission. 1998 Renault Laguna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Laguna |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
