1970 Honda S800 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1970 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 445 kg more than 1970 Honda S800. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda S800. (67 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda S800 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S800 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 50 L |
