1990 Honda NSX vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1990 Honda NSX is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda NSX weights approximately 585 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1990 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Honda NSX | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | NSX | Beetle |
Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |