Motorcycles and cars achieve high levels of performance in different ways. This U-drag race between the Kawasaki Ninja H2 R and the Acura NSX Type S is the perfect example of just that. Despite the drastic differences in each platform, the final results are closer than one might expect.
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As a quick reminder, a U-drag race is exactly what it sounds like. Two vehicles in this case do a full quarter-mile drag race and then have to slow down to make a U-turn before racing back to the start line. Essentially, this single type of race tests acceleration, braking, and cornering in one efficient package.
Our competitors are both serious performance machines. The Acura NSX Type S rolls up to the line with 600 hp (447 kW), weighing in at 3,913 pounds (1,776 kg). The Ninja H2 R weighs just 476 pounds (216 kg) and boasts 305 hp (227 kW). On paper, that sounds like a cut-and-dry win for the bike. In reality, it’s much much closer.
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In a straight line, the Ninja is indeed much faster. On the other hand, the Acura has the benefit of four tires instead of two. It can turn much faster and it can get back on the power quicker too. Those factors both play out in beautiful clarity during race one. The Acura gets off of the line a bit quicker, the bike catches up and passes it before the quarter-mile is up and both go into the turn neck and neck.
Read: Someone, Somehow, Turned A Honda Accord Into An NSX Replica
The Acura manages to get around it and get out in front but the bike rider unleashes all 305 hp in an effort to catch up. Alas, he runs out of room and the Acura with twice the horsepower but four times the weight still manages to win. Of course, the rider, Chris Moore, is no stranger to speed and he dials in his performance for the next run.
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This time, the NSX doesn’t get quite as good of a launch. Chris takes full advantage of that too because this time, when the Acura exits the corner first, the Ninja is much closer. That makes reeling the car in all the more easier and results in a one-all tie. Race three goes largely the same way but it’s shocking just how close these two end up being despite their differences. It also just looks cool as hell.