1998 Honda NSX vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 199 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3, 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
