2003 Honda Accord vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Honda Accord. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 318 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Honda Accord (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Accord | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
