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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Challenger (376 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (280 HP @ 7300 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 482 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 (555 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
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 | 2977 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 555 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5022 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1923 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
