2004 Honda Accord vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Honda Accord is newer by 15 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 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Accord (160 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Accord weights approximately 415 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 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Accord (218 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Accord | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
