1992 Honda Prelude vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,156 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Honda Prelude (185 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Honda Prelude weights approximately 290 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, 1992 Honda Prelude, 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, 1992 Honda Prelude (212 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Honda Prelude | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
