1996 Honda CRX vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda CRX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda CRX would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda CRX (158 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda CRX should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 621 kg more than 1996 Honda CRX.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda CRX, 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda CRX. (143 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda CRX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda CRX | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | CRX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2270 mm |
