2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Honda Ballade
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP) has 91 more horse power than 1982 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 310 kg more than 1982 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Honda Ballade, 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Honda Ballade. (109 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Honda Ballade. 1982 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ballade |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2330 mm |
