2008 Acura RL vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 2008 Acura RL is newer by 12 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Honda NSX. (280 HP @ 7300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 96 kg more than 2008 Acura RL.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda NSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda NSX. 2008 Acura RL 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. 2008 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | RL | NSX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
