2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Honda Accord
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 135 kg more than 1980 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1980 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Accord |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
