1988 Honda NSX vs. 2004 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2004 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 16 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 93 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 330 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, 2004 Hyundai Sonata, 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. 2004 Hyundai Sonata has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1988 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Hyundai Sonata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2004 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | NSX | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 97 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1546 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2840 mm |
