1988 Honda Legend vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Legend weights approximately 183 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (221 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Legend | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Legend | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
