2001 Honda Insight vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Honda Insight is newer by 5 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2001 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 119 kg more than 2001 Honda Insight. 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, 2001 Honda Insight, 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Insight | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Insight | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
