1996 Honda Del Sol vs Mazda MX5 Miata Comparison Test Drive
For what was its last year in production, the del Sol removable-roof, two-seat coupe received only a minor facelift. like the previous generation Civic platform it was based on, the del Sol was a solidly structured front-driver. Unlike the Civic, the del Sol can transform from hardtop to open air roadster by removing its roof panel and rolling down the electric rear window. Of the three del Dols (s, Si, and VTEC) the favorite remained the VTEC, which used Honda’s variable valve and lift timing control system to extract 160 horsepower form a tiny 1.6 liter DOHC four – enough to produce a 7.4 second 0-0 clocking. Mixing performance and whimsy with a large trunk and economy, the del Sol remained a delight.
Mazda’s wispy little rear drive roadster, aroused when new, and still does to this day. Inspiring the little two seater in 1996, was the 1.8 liter DOHC four, the adoption of an OBD-II engine computer, ’97 spec side impact protection and standard armrests with storage pockets. The race minded R-model continued into the 1996 but wasn’t available in the new Montego Blue Mica. Handling remained brilliant, but with only 114 pound feet of torque on tap, acceleration remained unquick.
Related Posts
1986 Oldsmobile Toronado Test Drive →
2004 MazdaSpeed MX-5 Miata Test Drive →
1986 Yugo GV Review →
Yaay!! Motor Trend videos!
Motor Trend videos!! I HOPE you put more like this video soon!
oh I will indeed!