1973 NSU 1000 vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Toyota MR2 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 NSU 1000. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1973 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1973 NSU 1000. 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, 1998 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 NSU 1000. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 NSU 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 NSU 1000 | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | NSU | Toyota |
| Model | 1000 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
