1978 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,601 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Honda Accord | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1601 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2270 mm |