1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 NSU Ro 80
To start off, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 NSU Ro 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 NSU Ro 80 would be higher. At 2,390 cc, 1977 NSU Ro 80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1977 NSU Ro 80. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 NSU Ro 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 NSU Ro 80 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 NSU Ro 80, 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, 1977 NSU Ro 80 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 NSU Ro 80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1977 NSU Ro 80 has automatic transmission and 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 NSU Ro 80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 NSU Ro 80 | |
| Make | Mazda | NSU |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ro 80 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2390 cc |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 37 L |
