1997 Honda NSX vs. 1989 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1989 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Civic.
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, 1989 Honda Civic, 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 (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1989 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | NSX | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1370 mm |
