1970 Honda N III vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda N III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda N III would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1970 Honda N III. (31 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda N III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 660 kg more than 1970 Honda N III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda N III, 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda N III. (30 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda N III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda N III | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | N III | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 354 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 115 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
