1990 Honda NSX vs. 1972 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1990 Honda NSX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda NSX weights approximately 445 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-2. 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, 1990 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 1972 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2480 mm |
