1990 Honda NSX vs. 2003 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2003 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 13 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 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda NSX (270 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 60 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, 2003 Hyundai Sonata, 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 2003 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | NSX | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
