1988 Honda NSX vs. 1992 Mazda 121
To start off, 1992 Mazda 121 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1992 Mazda 121. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda NSX weights approximately 396 kg more than 1992 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Honda NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 121, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda 121. (105 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 1992 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 121 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2460 mm |
