2008 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 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 76 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 53 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda NSX | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
