2009 Honda S2000 vs. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Honda S2000 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda S2000 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Honda S2000 (220 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda S2000 | 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S2000 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
