1985 Honda Accord vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1985 Honda Accord. (122 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Honda Accord weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Honda Accord. (165 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Honda Accord | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2270 mm |
