1988 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic.
Because 1997 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 1997 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic, 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, 1997 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Civic | NSX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
