2009 Acura TL vs. 1990 Honda NSX
To start off, 2009 Acura TL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura TL (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1990 Honda NSX. (270 HP @ 7300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura TL weights approximately 487 kg more than 1990 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL, 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, 2009 Acura TL (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda NSX. (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda NSX. 2009 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1990 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura TL | 1990 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | TL | NSX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
