1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Dodge Challenger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Challenger 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Challenger (305 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 369 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Dodge Challenger (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2012 Dodge Challenger 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. 2012 Dodge Challenger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Dodge Challenger | |
| Make | Honda | Dodge |
| Model | NSX | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1739 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5022 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1923 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
