1996 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 145 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
