2002 Honda NSX vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Honda NSX. (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 172 kg more than 2002 Honda NSX. 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda NSX. (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda NSX | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | NSX | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
