1998 Audi A3 vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1998 Audi A3 is newer by 1 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1998 Audi A3. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1998 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 358 kg more than 1998 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Audi A3, 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Audi A3. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Audi A3 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Audi | Honda |
| Model | A3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 270 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
