1996 Honda NSX vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
