2002 Honda S-MX vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 360 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S-MX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
