2002 Acura NSX vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura NSX weights approximately 470 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Acura 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 2002 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2002 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2560 mm |
