1988 Honda NSX vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 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 131 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 184 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2651 mm |
