2005 Honda Legend vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Legend (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Legend weights approximately 666 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Legend, 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 Legend (303 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Legend | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Legend | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
