1998 Honda NSX vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 30 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 (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Honda NSX | 2003 Lexus IS | |
Make | Honda | Lexus |
Model | NSX | IS |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 290 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 196 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |