1988 Honda NSX vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV is newer by 11 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Honda NSX. (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda NSX weights approximately 36 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
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, 1999 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 1999 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Honda | Panoz |
| Model | NSX | AIV |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
