1996 Honda Accord vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 215 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1996 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, 1996 Honda Accord (178 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1996 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 48 L |
