1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1988 Honda NSX. (251 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 474 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ferrari | Honda |
| Model | 550 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
