2005 Honda Element vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Element. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Element would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Element (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Element weights approximately 362 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Element, 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 Honda Element (218 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm). This means 2005 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Element | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
