1988 Honda Shuttle vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Shuttle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Shuttle would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Honda Shuttle. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Shuttle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 Honda Shuttle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Shuttle, 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (241 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Shuttle. (112 Nm). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Shuttle | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Shuttle | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
