1981 Ferrari 400 vs. 1990 Honda NSX
To start off, 1990 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1990 Honda NSX. (252 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1990 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda NSX. (285 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda NSX. 1990 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 400 | 1990 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ferrari | Honda |
| Model | 400 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 310 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 70 L |
