1998 Honda NSX vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 565 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | NSX | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2400 mm |
