Midnight C4S

I also have to say that it's a Japanese car and that means two things to me, 1. it performs great for the $, 2 it's probably a copy of someone elses car. That 2nd part bothered my friend after time but it doesn't have to bother others. He lived in Tokyo at the same time I did so we both kind of developed an attitude, I no longer have the slightest craving for Sushi for example. So I don't mean to say that the car doesn't perform it does, my friend loved it for it's performance but he still kept it a much shorter time than any of his other sports cars. Soul is a hard thing to quantify obviously, maybe I shouldn't have used that word.

stedge

FWIW, I think the s2000 gets a bad rap. It is a techno marvel, and cheap and reliable, to boot. But, yes, it is no NSX.

Anyway, this thread has been hijacked and I am sorry for that. Will stop now.

Mike W

Hey Stedge, don't be so hard on the S2000. It is a terrific car for the $. The NSX costs almost 3x as much. I would like an NSX, but I wouldn't mind having an S2000.

Chaos

The s 2000 was not a consideration,I'd get a Boxster first. I race a 944s2,drive a 525i daily and have a Yukon tow vehicle.
It comes down to NSX vs 993 and I really like my 993. I just think the NSX is a amazing looking car.
The comments from NSX owners is helpful and I just joined the club for more info.
Thanks,
Gregg

jonathank2000

Gregg,
I bought an NSX the second year it was out... not impressed.. bought a Vette few years later.. better.. bought my 993.. great! I'm 6'2" 220lbs and Japanese cars are not too room friendly for my frame.

flatair

"bought a Vette few years later.. better.. "

Jastx

I owned a '92 NSX for awhile. Great driving position, the absolute best view of the road from a street car, very nice shifter. The pre-'97 cars had the 3-liter engine and five-speed. '97+ had the 290 hp 3.2 liter and 6-speed with better gearing. A popular upgrade for pre-'97 cars was "short gears" like the ROW NSXs had (sound familiar?). Stock wheels on the '92 were the smaller 5-spokes (15" front, 16" rear). Upgrades to 17"/18" '94+ NSX wheels or aftermarket were popular.

I sold it because I fell out of lust with it. The reality wasn't as good as the fantasy. High-revving engine short on torque. I'm less into track and more into driving on the street. Because of low torque acceleration in normal stop and go driving wasn't so hot. The real surprise and disappointment was the slow steering. It seemed no one noticed it but me. Finally Autoweek stated the steering on the NSX was slower than on their MDX SUV -- perhaps fine on the track but it didn't make for a very nimble ride on the street.

I still like the NSX but it does seem, unlike with Porsche, that most Acura dealers don't have much experience with them. The other thing is -- at least with the enthusaists who post on NSX Prime -- many are into body kits. Some very nice workmanship but I'm not into modding my car like that.

Porsche also has a history of interesting street and racing cars. A Porsche event is a feast of variety and beauty. Acura has one car. An NSX event is, well, NSX -- great cars to be sure but all the same.

My advice, if you want an NSX, get a '97 or newer.

You know something interesting? I bought my NSX in 1998. At that time, I test drove a pre-owned 993 at the local Porsche dealer. I told my wife it was everything I wanted in a car, but I couldn't afford it (they wanted $76k back then), so I bought this NSX I happened to find locally. It took 7 more years and a few more cars but now I finally have my 993.

This pic is of my ex-NSX with 97+ wheels (shiny vs. painted '94-'96 wheels) added by my buyer:

kkim

John- where was that picture taken? sure looks a lot like Hawaii.

MikeinNashville

Looks like I might be the first to post here who actually owns an NSX and a 993 right now.

Here's some random thoughts about each:

1) Straight line driving: The 993, with more low end torque, seems slightly quicker 0-60 and 0-100, but not by much.

2) "Curvy" line driving: The NSX is more like a Boxster S in the corners, and is a far easier car to drive fast.

3) Dependability: I've owned 12 911's in my life, and none of them has been much of a maintainence headache at all. The NSX doesn't break at all, and will probably run until it has 200k miles on it without much cost.

4) Appeal: The 993 is a classic and always be. The NSX is a much more exotic (and noticed) car, and most mistake it for a Ferrari. I never see another NSX while driving around Nashville (but seldom see a 993 either).

5) Daily driver or weekend toy: I feel the 993 is a better daily driver, but if I were buying one or the other as a weekend toy, I'd definitely choose the NSX.

6) Overall impression: I've owned 95 cars the past 18 years (including 12 911's and many more interesting cars such as Pantera GT5's, Vipers, many '67 big block Corvettes, etc). I really do love Porsches, but I do think the NSX is one of the best, most reliable, sports cars ever made. Nothing against the 993, but if I had to choose one of my cars to keep and one to sell, I would keep the NSX.

Chaos

Mike,
Thanks alot ! It would be a weekend car only. Do you have any pictures ? Know of any deals ?
Thanks,Gregg
chaos236@aol.com

tlark

Gregg, as it was post here, check out www.nsxprime. Lots of them 4 sale there and most of those guys are very helpful if you have questions. At 6'2" 210lbs and a former NSX owner as of April of this year you will find the comfort of this car top notch. Cannot add anything that other past owners have commented about. At the end of the day its up to you and the type of characteristics that you seek in a car overall. The only reason I sold mine was b/c I wanted an a-cooled twin turbo. Other than that its a great car that needs only needs more power, but that just me.

Good luck on your hunt.

Jastx

Kelly,

You are correct. My buyer moved to Korea and sold the car to a fellow in Hawaii named Chris.

mooty

993 vs nsx, very different car, but one isn't better than the other. comparing N/A 993 and nsx, they are equally as fast and reliable on track.

CP

This is truely a case where you follow the calling of your heart. They are both beautiful, capable, and stirring sport cars.

One HUGE factor in the 993 corner though: RENNLIST!!!!!!! NSX goes

CP

ruffy

Mikein,

As an owner of both, have you tracked your car extensively?

With regards to mid corner speed and balance, which car is easier to extract the performance out of?

How lively is the chassis? How adjustable is it?

How often have you been frightened in it?

I've always loved the nsx but will never buy it for the lack of straight line thrill.
Sadly, Rufs are great fun but constant tracking become an extremly costly affair.

(not meant to be a hijack, just some considerations for like minded people)
best regards,
Chunn