1992 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 10 kg more than 1992 Honda NSX.
Because 1992 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 1992 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1992 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1992 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Honda NSX | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
