1997 Honda NSX vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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 162 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 130 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Honda NSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
