1998 Honda NSX vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 6 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (239 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 531 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
