2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 190 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1996 Honda S-MX, 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Honda S-MX 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. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
Make | Mazda | Honda |
Model | MX-5 Miata | S-MX |
Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |