2006 Acura RSX vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Acura RSX would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Acura RSX. (155 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Acura RSX weights approximately 149 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Acura RSX, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Acura RSX. (188 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RSX | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RSX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
