2004 Honda NSX vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Honda NSX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda NSX weights approximately 310 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2004 Honda NSX (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda NSX | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | NSX | A |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
