1996 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 16 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 119 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
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, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
