2002 Honda NSX vs. 1978 Honda Accord

To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda NSX weights approximately 504 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2002 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 2002 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2002 Honda NSX (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.

Compare all specifications:

2002 Honda NSX 1978 Honda Accord
Make Honda Honda
Model NSX Accord
Year Released 2002 1978
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2977 cc 1748 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 249 HP 90 HP
Engine RPM 6600 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 287 Nm 133 Nm
Torque RPM 5300 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 77 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 94 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1434 kg 930 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1630 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2390 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 41 L