1998 Honda NSX vs. 1989 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Celica 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 (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Celica. (159 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 51 kg more than 1989 Toyota Celica. 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, 1989 Toyota Celica, 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 (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Celica. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1989 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Honda | Toyota |
| Model | NSX | Celica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 212 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 Weight | 1464 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2380 mm |
