1998 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 109 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 81 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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 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 (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
