1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 93 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 1981 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Accord |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
