1999 Honda NSX vs. 1972 Honda Civic

To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX weights approximately 785 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1999 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 1999 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1999 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (100 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

1999 Honda NSX 1972 Honda Civic
Make Honda Honda
Model NSX Civic
Year Released 1999 1972
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 3177 cc 1169 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 276 HP 64 HP
Engine RPM 7300 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 304 Nm 100 Nm
Torque RPM 5300 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 66 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78 mm 90 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1460 kg 675 kg
Vehicle Length 4410 mm 3570 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1510 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2210 mm