1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Acura ZDX
To start off, 2012 Acura ZDX is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura ZDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura ZDX (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura ZDX should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura ZDX weights approximately 1037 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Acura ZDX is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura ZDX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Acura ZDX (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Acura ZDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Acura ZDX has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Acura ZDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Acura ZDX | |
| Make | Mazda | Acura |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | ZDX |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 2007 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1994 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1595 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2751 mm |
