1998 Honda NSX vs. 1985 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 121. (55 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 665 kg more than 1985 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1998 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 121. (88 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1985 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 121 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2370 mm |
