1992 Acura NSX vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1992 Acura NSX is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Acura NSX weights approximately 400 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1992 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1992 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Acura NSX | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2270 mm |
