1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Avalon. (268 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Avalon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 270 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX.
Because 1997 Honda NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2012 Toyota Avalon 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 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | NSX | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
