Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Honda Prelude

We don't know if Mazda planned on launching a classic when it dropped the little MX-5 Miata roadster into dealerships way back in 1990. Yet here we are 35 years later, and the little rear-wheel drive, two-seat convertible is still going strong.

Now in its fourth generation, the MX-5 is available with a soft or hard top and a six-speed manual transmission is standard. Some folks might complain about its minimal cargo space, cramped interior, and hard-to-use technology. Others might want more straight-line power. Those folks just don't get it. The MX-5 isn't about practicality or beating a V8 off the line. Instead, it goes for driving fun where it counts — in the corners.

Verdict: The 2025 Mazda MX-5 is a roadster that rewards drivers with precise handling that's only made better when the top is down and the tunes are cranked.

The Prelude coupe, a signature Honda model from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, returns for the 2026 model year in a completely new form. Its spirited performance should please a wide swath of shoppers, while its efficient hybrid powertrain gives it a definite advantage in both environmental impact and fuel savings.

Verdict: With head-turning style and a near-luxury interior, the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude is a standout among the few other sporty coupes on the market.