1990 Honda Shuttle vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Shuttle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Shuttle would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1990 Honda Shuttle. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Shuttle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 200 kg more than 1990 Honda Shuttle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Shuttle. (112 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Shuttle | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Shuttle | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
