1997 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 12 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 115 more horse power than 2009 Lexus IS. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 290 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Honda | Lexus |
| Model | NSX | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
