1988 Honda NSX vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 20 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 110 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 269 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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
