1998 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 284 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 NSX (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
