1977 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1977 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 301 kg more than 1977 Honda Accord. 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, 1977 Honda Accord, 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 (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Accord | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
