1991 Honda NSX vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Honda NSX (281 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 213 kg more than 1991 Honda NSX.
Because 1991 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 1991 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Honda NSX | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
