1997 Honda NSX vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 7 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 157 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 249 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. 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, 2004 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 (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic 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. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | NSX | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1671 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
