1995 Acura NSX vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Acura NSX would be higher. At 3,178 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Acura NSX (420 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1999 Kia Elan. (149 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Acura NSX weights approximately 429 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Acura 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 1995 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan, 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, 1995 Acura NSX (414 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Acura NSX | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Acura | Kia |
| Model | NSX | Elan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3178 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1497 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2260 mm |
