2002 Honda Accord vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2002 Honda Accord. (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Accord weights approximately 245 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (217 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 48 L |
