1998 Honda NSX vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 13 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 (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 103 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 (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Honda NSX | 2011 Lexus IS | |
Make | Honda | Lexus |
Model | NSX | IS |
Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 276 HP | 204 HP |
Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1567 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4585 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2731 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |