2008 Honda NSX vs. 1996 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Honda NSX is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 185 kg more than 1996 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2008 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Maxima. 2008 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda NSX | 1996 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | NSX | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
