1998 Honda NSX vs. 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
To start off, 2003 Hyundai Tiburon is newer by 5 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Tiburon weights approximately 560 kg more than 1998 Honda NSX.
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, 2003 Hyundai Tiburon, 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 (284 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. (180 Nm). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Hyundai Tiburon. 1998 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 2003 Hyundai Tiburon has manual transmission. 2003 Hyundai Tiburon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2003 Hyundai Tiburon | |
| Make | Honda | Hyundai |
| Model | NSX | Tiburon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2610 mm |
