1998 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1998 Acura NSX is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura NSX (291 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1996 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Because 1998 Acura 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 1998 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude, 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, 1998 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 1996 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | NSX | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 268 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2580 mm |
