1996 Acura NSX vs. 2004 Audi A8
To start off, 2004 Audi A8 is newer by 8 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 54 more horse power than 2004 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A8 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1996 Acura NSX.
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, 2004 Audi A8, 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, 2004 Audi A8 (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 2004 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Acura | Audi |
| Model | NSX | A8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 275 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2950 mm |
