2006 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Honda Accord is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Accord (160 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Honda Accord (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Accord | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1240 mm |
