1979 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 160 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Honda Mazda
Model Accord MX-5 Miata
Year Released 1979 2009
Body Type Sedan Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1750 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 89 HP 158 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 133 Nm 188 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 77 mm 87.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 94 mm 83.1 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.0:1 10.0:1
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 1095 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1630 mm 1250 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1730 mm
Wheelbase Size 2390 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 50 L


 

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