1998 Honda Legend vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Legend (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Legend weights approximately 687 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Legend, 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, 1998 Honda Legend (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Legend | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Legend | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
