1997 Honda Life vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 235 kg more than 1997 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Life | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Life | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2270 mm |
