I have spent a considerable amount of time behind 944's, turbos, S's, S2', and all. Have owned 5 of them over a period of 9 years. I have also driven two NSX's. A 91 and a 94. Differences: Neither one is a drag light king. The Turbo gets it's ass kicked easily by just about anything off the line till that big turbo kicks in,then LOOK OUT. The standard turbo is a little better off the line due to the smaller turbo unit. The NSX is quicker then either one off the line. The NSX is a hell of alot more reliable then the turbo. dont get me wrong, I love the 44's and they are reliable, but no NSX.
Service: Hell, it takes up to 7 hours to remove the oil pan on the 44 because of the turbo plumbing which is EVERYWHERE. Book is 9! We wont even discuss servicing the turbo itself. Turbo S's have a spring loaded timing belt tensioner that has gone a long way in preventing the timing belt/valve crushing problem of earlier 44's. Still, the timing belt on the turbo and S is the SAME belt as an early RABBIT. Scary to think that my 320hp 944 turbo had a skinny timing belt like that. Everything on this car is a pain to do except for the oil change.
Handling: Turbo S's are much better then earlier cars but it wont touch an NSX around a track. At least till the NSX brakes get hot. The Turbo has stock HUGE 928S4 Brembo calipers. Very awesome brakes. These are the brakes others upgrade to. The 944 also has a better steering feel and input then the NSX. NSX is still good but no 944. Any 944. NSX shifts a hell of alot better then the 944.
performance times: average
88 turbo s- 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, 1/4 in 13.8 seconds/ 247 hp.
91 NSX 5 sp- 0-60 5.4 seconds 1/4 in 13.6
These are average and in my experience they are virtually the same in the straights.
But....like all turbo cars, a simple 500.00 chip swap and boom-your 247hp turbo is now at 290hp+. The 1/4 is in the very low 13's. for 1200.00 you can get the mass air flow kit/chip set and now your at 320hp. Hell for under 2500.00 the turbo can be at 365hp+ reliably. For under 5K it can be pushed to over 420hp with no NOS. Alot better then the painfully overpriced supercharger kits for the NSX. Not bad for a car that weighs a tad less then the NSX!
But as much as I like 944's, it is NOT an NSX. Especially in the sex appeal department. A 944 is a 944. A NSX, though some will not even take a double-take at them anymore, still garners quit a bit of attention.
Both great cars. But the NSX is in a higher league in my opinion then a 44 turbo.