1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Honda Prelude | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Prelude | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 80 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |