1990 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Kia Optima
To start off, 2002 Kia Optima is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda NSX 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 114 more horse power than 2002 Kia Optima. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Kia Optima weights approximately 27 kg more than 1990 Honda NSX.
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, 2002 Kia Optima, 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) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Kia Optima. (216 Nm). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Kia Optima. 1990 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 2002 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2002 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 2002 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Honda | Kia |
| Model | NSX | Optima |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
