1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 4,806 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayenne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (400 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 567 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.
Because 2012 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Honda NSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne will offer significantly more control. 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 Cayenne (500 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Honda | Porsche |
| Model | NSX | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4806 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 2065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1705 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2896 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
