1990 Ford Tempo vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1990 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 220 kg more than 1990 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Tempo, 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, 1997 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Tempo | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Tempo | NSX |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2540 mm |
