1997 Honda NSX vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 300 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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, 1997 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
