1997 Acura NSX vs. 2009 Audi R8
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura NSX would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1997 Acura NSX. (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura NSX weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Acura NSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Acura NSX | 2009 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Acura | Audi |
| Model | NSX | R8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 4163 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2660 mm |
