2004 Honda NSX vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Honda NSX is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda NSX weights approximately 350 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 NSX (287 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 Nm). This means 2004 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda NSX | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
