1998 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Kia Soul

To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 14 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 138 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 278 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. 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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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 (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Honda NSX 2012 Kia Soul
Make Honda Kia
Model NSX Soul
Year Released 1998 2012
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 3179 cc 1600 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 276 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 7300 RPM 6300 RPM
Torque 304 Nm 167 Nm
Torque RPM 5300 RPM 4850 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1464 kg 1186 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4120 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1786 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1610 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2550 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 48 L