1998 Honda NSX vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 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 62 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 38 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 (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
