1997 Honda NSX vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 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 152 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 123 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
