1997 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Accord (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Accord, 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, 1997 Honda Accord (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Honda Accord | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 184 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |