1998 Honda NSX vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 10 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 150 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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 (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic 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. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | NSX | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
