2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1988 Honda NSX. (251 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 45 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Corvette | NSX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6198 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
