Just as the title says - who do you think would win in a circuit or mountain pass race between an AE86 and an NA? Myself, I have to go with the Miata because, well, it was designed as a sports car outright while the 86 started as a shopping car and was upgraded into something sporty later on. Also, doesn't the 1.8 Miata have a bit more power? So, who would win this titanic battle of MC Hammer-era sportsbuckets?
I think the AE86 has shorter gear ratios, which would it give an advantage on mountain passes. Speaking of power, weight, ... I have no idea.
[TABLE="width: 200"] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3.587:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2nd[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2.022:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3rd[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1.384:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4th[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5th[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]0.861:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Reverse[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3.484:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 51%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Final Drive[/FONT][/TD] [TD="width: 49%"][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4.30:1[/FONT][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Fairly normal really. Power wise, the 4A-GEU engine is pushing about 120hp at 6600rpm and 150Nm torque at 5200rpm, max revs of 7700. Whole car comes to just 950Kg. The MX5 NA. 940Kg. 115hp at 6500rpm and 136Nm at 5500rpm. Gears run: 3.136 1.88 1.33 1 0.814 Final drive also 4.3:1 So a little longer in the tooth than an AE86, but not majorly so. The AE86 was actually intended as a sports vehicle too, its just it was then offered in the AE85 peasant trim (and most USDM models have AE85 features). But it is a solid rear axle rather than IRS in the miata. Tbh I think the only things to compare on really come down to solid versus IRS and whether the difference in chassis flex is significant.
According to various internet sources, the 0-60 time is basically the same. I'm just going to go ahead and say the Miata handles better, just because of things like 50/50 weight distribution, and no solid rear axle. Plus it was BUILT to handle well. Plus, whatever lap times I could find of the Nurburgring, the Miata was winning. Couldn't find much on those times though. You have to remember the 86 is older, and not as refined. I doubt they were making it with handling as their #1 goal either. I love both cars, I'm lucky enough to own a Miata myself, I love it. I would love an AE86 too. As for gear ratios on the Miata, they come out with lots of different ratios, mine is 3.9, there's 4.1 and 4.3 too. I will most likely be upgrading to a 3.9 type 2 torsen LSD, from my current LSD which isn't that great.
47/53 on the AE86, ever so slight edge but yeah the mx5 is the newer vehicle so likely to have the edge there anyway and of course gets IRS. Diff ratio I just got from what was supposedly the base equipment, I think there were at least 5 actual units fitted, particularly with the later 1.8l engine.
I see quite a few 86's driving around town, not a whole lot that are stock though. I should hit the owner up if I see another stock one
The 86 would in if takumi was driving it --- Post updated --- Your profile pic..... I BOW TO YOU ALL HOLy JEREMY CLARKSON!
