1990 Honda NSX vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Honda NSX is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 199 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda NSX weights approximately 385 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
