1973 Honda 145 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda 145 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 99 more horse power than 1973 Honda 145. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 256 kg more than 1973 Honda 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Honda 145, 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 145. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 145 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | 145 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1433 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2329 mm |
