1998 Honda NSX vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 235 kg more than 1998 Honda NSX.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1981 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Honda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | NSX | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2960 mm |
