1988 Honda NSX vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX 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 143 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 159 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
