1997 Honda NSX vs. 2007 Kia Rio

To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 10 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 194 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 217 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio. 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, 2007 Kia Rio, 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 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Honda NSX 2007 Kia Rio
Make Honda Kia
Model NSX Rio
Year Released 1997 2007
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 3179 cc 1492 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 290 HP 96 HP
Engine RPM 7100 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 311 Nm 132 Nm
Torque RPM 5500 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 75.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78 mm 83.4 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1370 kg 1153 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4250 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1690 mm
Vehicle Height 1170 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2420 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 L 45 L