2005 Acura CL vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 2005 Acura CL is newer by 9 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2005 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2005 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura CL weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
Because 1996 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 1996 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Acura CL, 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, both vehicles can yield 294 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2005 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura CL | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | CL | NSX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
