1996 Honda Prelude 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 Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Prelude weights approximately 44 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Prelude | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Prelude | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 131 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 179 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1191 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |