1990 Honda NSX vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda NSX weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 NSX (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1990 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
