1983 Ford Mustang vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 1988 Honda NSX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Mustang 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 @ 6800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda NSX weights approximately 31 kg more than 1983 Ford Mustang. 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | NSX |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
