1998 Honda NSX vs. 2002 Lexus SC

To start off, 2002 Lexus SC 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 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2002 Lexus SC. (278 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 370 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, 2002 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 2002 Lexus SC 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 SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Honda NSX 2002 Lexus SC
Make Honda Lexus
Model NSX SC
Year Released 1998 2002
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 3179 cc 4291 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 290 HP 278 HP
Engine RPM 7100 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 310 Nm 447 Nm
Torque RPM 5500 RPM 3500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1370 kg 1740 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4520 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1170 mm 1380 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 L 66 L