2009 Honda Insight vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Honda Insight is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2009 Honda Insight. (87 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Insight weights approximately 147 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Insight, 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Insight. (121 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Insight | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Insight | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1276 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
