1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 18 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Honda | Porsche |
| Model | NSX | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| 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 | 1498 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
