1998 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Lexus IS
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda NSX 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 75 more horse power than 2002 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 76 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 (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lexus IS. (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lexus IS. 2002 Lexus IS 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. 2002 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Honda NSX | 2002 Lexus IS | |
Make | Honda | Lexus |
Model | NSX | IS |
Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 276 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 296 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |