1970 Honda Z vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda Z would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1970 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 509 kg more than 1970 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda Z, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda Z | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Z | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2270 mm |
