1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 15 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 20 more horse power than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (270 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 378 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 (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Honda | Cadillac |
| Model | NSX | CTS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 68 L |
