2008 Honda NSX vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 254 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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 (298 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda NSX | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
