1990 Honda Legend vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,206 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Legend (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Legend weights approximately 550 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 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, 1990 Honda Legend (300 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1990 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Legend | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Legend | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3206 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
