1996 Acura NSX vs. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura NSX weights approximately 179 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1996 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1996 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Acura | Chevrolet |
| Model | NSX | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
