1996 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 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 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Prelude (190 HP) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Prelude weights approximately 155 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 1996 Honda Prelude (214 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm). This means 1996 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |
