1980 Honda Ballade vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 1988 Honda NSX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP) has 177 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda NSX weights approximately 401 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Ballade | NSX |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 251 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2510 mm |
