2002 Honda NSX vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Passat 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 190 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda NSX weights approximately 408 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1986 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 Honda NSX (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda NSX | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2560 mm |
