1996 Honda Step Wagon vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 1,972 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Step Wagon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 425 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon will offer significantly more control. 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 Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Step Wagon | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Step Wagon | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1972 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2270 mm |
