1988 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 21 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 147 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda NSX weights approximately 34 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| 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 | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
