1996 Honda Shuttle 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 Shuttle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Shuttle would be higher. At 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Shuttle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Honda Shuttle. (146 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Shuttle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Shuttle weights approximately 385 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 Shuttle, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Shuttle. (198 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Shuttle | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Shuttle | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1532 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
