1997 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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 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 166 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 937 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Honda NSX | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | NSX | Beetle |
Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 280 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 294 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |