2002 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2002 Honda Accord. (197 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Accord weights approximately 170 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
Because 1996 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 1996 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord, 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, 1996 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Accord. 2002 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | Accord | NSX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
