1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1965 NSU Wankel Spider
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 NSU Wankel Spider would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. (49 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 220 kg more than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. 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, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider. (74 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 NSU Wankel Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1965 NSU Wankel Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | NSU |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Wankel Spider |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 495 cc |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2020 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 34 L |
