1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 1988 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1988 Honda NSX. (251 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 602 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX. 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1988 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ferrari | Honda |
| Model | 400 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
