1999 Honda Prelude vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Honda Prelude is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Prelude (132 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Prelude weights approximately 275 kg more than 1996 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 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Prelude, 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, 1999 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Honda Prelude | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Prelude | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 132 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 178 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2270 mm |