1997 Ford Probe vs. 2005 Honda NSX
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (241 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1997 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Probe, 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, 2005 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Probe. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Probe. 2005 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Probe | 2005 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Probe | NSX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
