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 86 more horse power than 2009 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 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 152 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS. 2009 Lexus IS 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. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
