1988 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 24 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 180 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Smart ForTwo 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. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Honda | Smart |
| Model | NSX | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
