1989 Honda Accord vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Accord weights approximately 79 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, 1989 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
