1997 Honda NSX vs. 2003 Honda Insight
To start off, 2003 Honda Insight is newer by 6 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 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 223 more horse power than 2003 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 530 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight. 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, 2003 Honda Insight, 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 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2003 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | NSX | Insight |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
