2002 Honda S2000 vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 Honda S2000 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 42 more horse power than 2002 Honda S2000. (238 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 105 kg more than 2002 Honda S2000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S2000 | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Honda | Honda |
| Model | S2000 | NSX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
