1997 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX 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 132 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX.
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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 6 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
