1979 Honda Accord vs. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 20 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 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 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 955 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
