1988 Honda Legend vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 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 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Legend (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Legend weights approximately 206 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 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, 1988 Honda Legend (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Legend | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Legend | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2675 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
