1997 Honda NSX vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord 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 201 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 480 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 1997 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 1981 Honda Accord 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. 1981 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | NSX | Accord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
