Cant decide... Older NSX vs. New Nsx Owner comparisons?

[supra774]

Ok, I should start off by saying I have had 4 Nsx's in the past.... two 1991's, a 1999, and a 2002. All great cars and believe them to be the best car ever built. I made the mistake of trading in my 02 for an 04 Gallardo. I am back in the market for another NSX, but am torn between the older 02-05's or possibly a little older NSX-T.... or Possibly a newer 2017+....

With that being said, it seems like the price difference is not that much to go up to a 2017+

I am hoping that there are a few on here who have owned both and can share their opinions on comparing the two. Would you go back, or are you happy with the upgrade? Any pros and cons, and do you miss the stick shift? (this is the hardest for me to get past, I just prefer a manual tranny)

I set out to find the perfect 02-05 for about what I paid 8 years ago..... yea, that's not going to happen, people are asking more than double what these were going for then..... It is hard to pay 90k Plus for a vehicle when the 2017s are touching the low 100k's.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Daniel

 

[goldNSX]

How long do you intend to keep it?

It would make it feel hard to have sold a 02 for half the money they are asking nowadays.

 

[Sterling Sackey]

They are two totally different cars. If you feel that the original NSX was the car you fell in love with, you should buy another one of those - the new NSX is a completely different experience similar to all of today's entry-level supercars.

Not saying the new one isn't a great car, but it has no place being compared with the old car and vice versa, other than the name being the same.

 

[supra774]

I would have it for a while for sure.... I tend to get bored after a few years, sell it..... and then bang, I want another cause I miss it so much. Hopefully I learn my lesson this time

 

[supra774]

They are two totally different cars. If you feel that the original NSX was the car you fell in love with, you should buy another one of those - the new NSX is a completely different experience similar to all of today's entry-level supercars.

Not saying the new one isn't a great car, but it has no place being compared with the old car and vice versa, other than the name being the same.

That is quite understandable..... I am just looking at the big picture, I love the simplicity of the older manuals, cheap to insure and cheap to maintain. I just don't want to make the wrong decision I.E. buy an older 02-05 for 100k and then have them drop back down to where they were 5-6 years ago after all the hype of the new ones has worn off.

 

[Sterling Sackey]

That is quite understandable..... I am just looking at the big picture, I love the simplicity of the older manuals, cheap to insure and cheap to maintain. I just don't want to make the wrong decision I.E. buy an older 02-05 for 100k and then have them drop back down to where they were 5-6 years ago after all the hype of the new ones has worn off.

The values of the old cars doesn't have much to do with the new one, it's more due to 1990s modern classics all going up in value as the generations of people who loved them most get older and make more money.

Porsche 964/993, Toyota Supra Mk4, Mazda RX7 FD, Acura Integra Type R, BMW E36 M3 Lightweight, Lancia Delta Integrale, etc. are all examples of cars that have gone up for this reason, and it's what essentially drives the classic car market as a whole.

 

[supra774]

So all values aside..... I just want to know if there is anyone out there whom have owned both and if they prefer the new one, or if they miss the old one?

 

[cimajohn]

Club Member Experience

I was looking on the forums to see if I could connect you with a fellow club member who very much regrets selling his 1st gen NSX and buying a 2018 NSX, but I don't know his forum name. In talking with this fellow, he mentions that the new NSX is an amazing car but it is 'too easy to drive' and 'feels much less connected to the drive'. He said if performance is the bottom line, then the new car is phenomenal. He sold the 2018 NSX within 3 months and has been looking to buy another 1st gen ever since (this will be his second summer of looking/shopping). If I can find his contact, I will PM. Cheers.

 

[supra774]

I was looking on the forums to see if I could connect you with a fellow club member who very much regrets selling his 1st gen NSX and buying a 2018 NSX, but I don't know his forum name. In talking with this fellow, he mentions that the new NSX is an amazing car but it is 'too easy to drive' and 'feels much less connected to the drive'. He said if performance is the bottom line, then the new car is phenomenal. He sold the 2018 NSX within 3 months and has been looking to buy another 1st gen ever since (this will be his second summer of looking/shopping). If I can find his contact, I will PM. Cheers.

Thank you so much.... this is exactly the thing I was looking for. I feel I did the same with my Gallardo, once the fascination with the Lambo wore off, I always went back to how amazing the NSX has always been.

 

[Lude_2_NSX]

I own a 91, and I've driven a 2019. They are completely different cars, so it's not really a comparison. I have always preferred a manual transmission and a raw driving feel, which my 91 gives. From a performance standpoint, the 2017+ is impressive for the money.

My Summary
For investment - 91
For fun to drive - 91
For performance - 2019
For looks/conversation starter - Probably both actually...

 

[NsXMas]

I had my 91 NSX for 15 years (heavily upgraded), and a 97 NSX for over 1 year. I've had my 2017 NSX for over 2 years.

I love all of the NSXs. However, I prefer my 2017 NSX over the na1 / na2, because it is such a thrill to drive and feels like owning 3-4 different cars in one vehicle, and it's stunning.

Disclaimer - I was not impressed with the new NSX when it first came out in 2016 / 2017. The pictures were not flattering as the angles on the new NSX is not photogenic as in person. I was a bit of a downer on it for a while. What changed my mind was seeing the car in my preferred color (pearl white aka casino white) in person, it looked so amazing. Then I got a chance to test drive it, and the technology blew me away.

Having had it (17 NSX) for over 2 years, I love it more and more every time I see it or drive it. It feels like the perfect girl that you didn't even know you had, and how she grows on you sneakily over time, and you fall madly even more in love with every new experience.

Compare that to my na1 / na2 experience, where I fell in love immediately, and the love stayed constant over time. That is to say, love never waned, but it never increased significantly over time either.

The new NSX is a special car to be appreciated over time. I love that it is such a subtle experience to enjoy, and really have to appreciate over time. I don't feel any jealousy of any other sports cars / super cars...not any McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, not even the hype with the new C8 corvette (I may buy one as a beater someday but I doubt it will compare to my NSX).

So...life is short, do you want to stay with what you know, or possibly explore something extremely tantalizing and amazing by taking a chance?

 

[supra774]

I had my 91 NSX for 15 years (heavily upgraded), and a 97 NSX for over 1 year. I've had my 2017 NSX for over 2 years.

I love all of the NSXs. However, I prefer my 2017 NSX over the na1 / na2, because it is such a thrill to drive and feels like owning 3-4 different cars in one vehicle, and it's stunning.

Disclaimer - I was not impressed with the new NSX when it first came out in 2016 / 2017. The pictures were not flattering as the angles on the new NSX is not photogenic as in person. I was a bit of a downer on it for a while. What changed my mind was seeing the car in my preferred color (pearl white aka casino white) in person, it looked so amazing. Then I got a chance to test drive it, and the technology blew me away.

Having had it (17 NSX) for over 2 years, I love it more and more every time I see it or drive it. It feels like the perfect girl that you didn't even know you had, and how she grows on you sneakily over time, and you fall madly even more in love with every new experience.

Compare that to my na1 / na2 experience, where I fell in love immediately, and the love stayed constant over time. That is to say, love never waned, but it never increased significantly over time either.

The new NSX is a special car to be appreciated over time. I love that it is such a subtle experience to enjoy, and really have to appreciate over time. I don't feel any jealousy of any other sports cars / super cars...not any McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, not even the hype with the new C8 corvette (I may buy one as a beater someday but I doubt it will compare to my NSX).

So...life is short, do you want to stay with what you know, or possibly explore something extremely tantalizing and amazing by taking a chance?

Wow, what can I say..... great comparison, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

It is funny how you mention the Pictures vs. real life... I have only seen one on the road and it was just ok, but I saw the orange one at the auto show and it was like a whole different car. My only two drawbacks on the new one are no targa top, and not a Manuel tranny. What are your thoughts on the manual vs. auto in the 2017?

 

[NsXMas]

Wow, what can I say..... great comparison, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

It is funny how you mention the Pictures vs. real life... I have only seen one on the road and it was just ok, but I saw the orange one at the auto show and it was like a whole different car. My only two drawbacks on the new one are no targa top, and not a Manuel tranny. What are your thoughts on the manual vs. auto in the 2017?

I love manuals. My 91 had a 6 speed na2 transmission with 4.55 final gear ratio. It was a blast. At one time all my vehicles were manuals - 2 NSXs, 1 Ford Focus ST, and 1 manual truck. So my love for manual transmissions is unequivocal.

However, the NC1 transmission is so fast, smooth, and intelligent at changing gears that I don't mind giving up the manual. As I mentioned, it feels like several cars in one.

I have gone on a couple of long NSX drives with fellow na1/na2/NC1 owners, and it's so nice to just relax and cruise on auto during the boring parts of the drive with heavy traffic, and then switch it to sport plus and stomp on it and enjoy the G-force and amazing steering input in the mountains. It never gets old.

I have to say I really don't miss the manual as much, since on most drives you're doing boring getting there / back 80% of the time, having fun 10-20% of the time, and it's gets kind of old shifting gears during that 80% of the drive.

So in summary, it's still tons of fun with everything else the amazing NC1 package offers.

I personally also preferred the rigid coupe of my 91 over my targa 97. I could hear creaks with the 97, and it just didn't feel as stiff / solid as my 91. That's why I didn't keep the 97 for too long, despite it being the most amazing color Monte Carlo blue. Nothing to me was as rewarding as the torsion stiffness of my 91 and now the NC1.

 

[DocL]

I'll leave out the terrible experience that I had with Acura and my POS NC1 that was ultimately returned via the Lemon Law. I had a 1994 NSX for 15 years, my 2017 NSX I was only able to drive for ten months out of the 20 that I had it.

The NC1 tries to hard to be a supercar. It's not easy to live with as a DD like my 94 was. There are many things that a modern car should come with, which of course you don't expect a 1994 NSX to have. For example, power folding side mirrors. The NC1 mirrors stick out very far and I had to open my window every time I pulled into and out of my garage and manually pull the mirror. I was able to add Satellite radio to my 94 NSX, the 2017 didn't come standard with it, so I had to constantly fuck with the entertainment system and stream it from my phone. The interior was a little bland and a lot of the switch gear was sourced from the same parts bin as an entry level ILX. Customer service, well let's just say Acura doesn't know how to cater to the people who can afford the car.

The car is extremely fast and full of the latest technology. However that almost makes the car sterile feeling. The lack of a manual didn't bother me too much, but I have to admit my current car which is a manual is so much more fun and engaging to daily drive. I thought I wouldn't miss a true manual, but it ends up I did.

There are many other options besides a Gen1 and Gen2 that you may want to explore. I wouldn't buy a Gen1 at these current prices if I was going to drive frequently. And keep in mind there is already a problem sourcing OEM parts for the Gen1.

 

[warrenw]

I have a ‘91 and a ‘17
The ‘91 is very close to an all original car. The only mods are the stereo head unit, and the 2000+ ABS system. The car has 63,000 miles.
People ask me all the time. “Which one do you like better”. My answer: “the one I last drove”
What I really didn’t like about the 2017 when I bought it: the automatic transmission.
However, I have gained a lot of respect for the transmission. First off, I never drive in auto mode. Silent mode is only used to back the car into the garage. I love the downshifts. This transmission is fast and responsive. It shifts faster than anything else on the market and it is flawless. Every shift is clean and crisp. My fellow F car friends can’t believe how good this transmission and car is. It pisses them off.

What is the same as the ‘91?
The view out the windshield is pretty close to the old car.
The seats are the same but maybe a bit wider to house side airbags.
The looks from true car people love it the same.

What is improved on the ‘17?
Cornering. Torque vectoring is a thing.
Acceleration. This car snaps your head back
Daily driving. The ‘17 is a better everyday drive. Approach angles are better. Much less scrapping sounds.

Why I bought it:
I had the opportunity of a lifetime to own the ‘17 that would never resurface again.
I bought a fully loaded, new with full warranty ‘17 NSX for less than some NA2 first Gen cars are selling for.
Oh, and my wife kept telling me to buy it.
I seldom listen to her. (Just ask her) but this time I did.

If you get the deal, do not pass it up..
I am glad I did t. The ‘91 is not for sale.

 

[bngl3rt]

I have both. As a collectible and weekend car I prefer the NA1, but as a daily driver and long distance road trip car I always choose the NC1.

Of course there are very dedicated souls on here who daily drive an NA1 in 2020, but for me the tire selection, parts availability, and access to qualified techs means I would absolutely not be able to put up with having it as my "only car". Keeping one on the road if you're really doing a lot of miles in it in 2020 is enough of a chore, and requires enough involvement on the part of the owner, that it can only really be a second car for busy people who need something dependable with no downtime.

Meanwhile the NC1 works perfectly every time, parts come from Ohio in a flash, it's gorgeous and handles amazing and is fast as f**k. Paddle shift means I can split the driving duties with my lady on long trips so that's a win for me.

Another way I've described it to people is that the NA1 is my "point A to point A" car, where the point of the drive is just the drive and there's no destination, whereas the NC1 is my "point A to point B" car, where I still care about enjoying the journey, but also have an actual destination in mind.

Hope this helps. I won't be getting rid of either any time soon.

 

[Z06nsxcts]

Had a ‘96. It was my favorite car ... until my ‘17. I loved everything about my 1996. The manual was the best of ANY car I had ever driven period. I loved the targa. I loved the seating position. I loved the high redline. I loved the historical significance. That said if I still had it and it was parked next to my ‘17 I would drive my ‘17 every single day and twice on Sunday. Sure it’s overpriced heavy and a Kia infotainment system would put its to shame, but I’ve never had more fun, looks, thumbs up in any other car I’ve owned.

It gets this rep for being detached and sterile but I can tell you most of these people have never driven this car in anger on a proper track. It’s amazing

MC

 

[nsxsupra]

I have both 03 NSX (previously 92) and 19 NSX (previously 17).

I love both cars, they are different. I enjoy manual car more, so my heart is with older NSX. However, as daily driver, hands down NC1. It is subtle, only attract good attention, doesn't scream look at me, extremely efficient, can drive fast without looking like trying too hard. I previously had Mclaren 570s and Ferrari 488GTB as daily driver, neither as good as NC1 NSX, the lag off the line is so bad on both 570s and 488GTB. So I went back to 19 NSX. In daily driver category, only newer 911 Turbo S come close to NC1 IMO. Overall NC1 is solid all around performer, and arguably best in terms of practical performance. One thing I do recommend is all NC1 owners is install Sprint Booster V3, for $300 the amount of enjoyment enhancement is amazing. Made the car near Tesla Model S performance efficient.

NA1/NA2 NSX to me is also a great daily driver and can do everything I need, just not as efficiently while it shine in other areas. To me it is in ultimate classic/daily driver category. I drive it about 50% of time.

I put cars in 3 category (Daily driver, Weekend, classic). If I can only have 1 car that does everything for my needs, it will be NC1 until something better become available. If I can always have more than one car, one thing for certain is I will always have a NA1 or NA2, the classic category never change. Daily driver category will always change.

 

[supra774]

So I should buy both now..... nice, I am grateful for all the input

 

[RyanRA]

So I should buy both now..... nice, I am grateful for all the input

Seriously, if you can you should.

 

[RYU]

[MENTION=19102]supra774[/MENTION] - here's my summary of what you said.

* Initial cost is not much of an issue
* You're concerned about value (or rather resale)
* You've had 4 NSX and regret selling them
* You want a Manual Trans
* You owned a Lambo and sold it
* You're considering a NC1 because it's nearing the price of a 02+

My $0.02... So I think being concerned about resale is spawning all your regret. You sold 4 NSXs but you're looking to buy your 5th. Fact is.. resale value for the NA1/2 is slowly rising or at worse leveling off. NC1 is still depreciating, though one could speculate that the low production numbers will preserve prices.. then again, cost of maintenance rivals a McLaren so I think that's kind of a wash. So if you're really concerned about value are you going to gamble or go with a proven track record? That's your choice to make.

So now let's talk about a car you seem to want but have no experience of owning (NC1). Why don't you lease one or do a long term 1 week Turo rental on one (if they have them on Turo, I don't know). Or possibly buy one for a few months. Consider the cost (after you deduct resale value) the cost of quenching the unknown.

There's also another fact that many here have mentioned... They are totally different cars. You can see from the owners that they each like each specific model for different reasons. So you gotta ask yourself what do you need in your life right now. Making the smart financial decision isn't always what makes you happy.

For $80-100k I feel like there are other cars than either the NA2 or NC1 to spend it on

oh.. lastly... If money was an issue... i'd look for a high mile 91-94. Do some upgrades. Drive the piss out of it while the NC1 continues to drop in price. It bottom on dropping NC1 resale doesn't seem to have an end yet. With 3yr lease returns coming up this Q3/Q4... it's going to be VERY interesting to see what Honda does to prevent the bottom from falling out completely.

 

[RYU]

It gets this rep for being detached and sterile but I can tell you most of these people have never driven this car in anger on a proper track. It’s amazing

MC

Since OP is comparing old vs. new... The thing is both cars are pretty magical at the limits... Most sportscars sold these days are. However, it's much more difficult to find the conditions to drive at those limits with the fast AF NC1 and others in this performance segment. So if you're not a regular track goer or someone that doesn't regularly break the law (i'm not holier than thou here either) the older one might have better bang for the buck or Fun per Hour Driven ratio in this criteria.

This is something i've been thinking about for a long time. Since 2015 i've been casually shopping around for a 12C/650S. I've driven several and have hundreds of miles behind the wheel of them. It's still a pretty damn boring driving car on the street unless you're into the stares and instagrams being posted about you.

 

[flabuf]

Let me try in give you a perspective as an NC1 owner and having had two NA1's. My 1995 was bone stock other than wheels and my 1996 was heavily modified in the engine power train department having the science of speed twin turbos, stage 1 build, appropriate clutch and exhaust. Every single one of them has been an absolute total blast to drive. Probably the most visceral of the 3 was my NA1 science of speed twin turbo. That puppy was pushing 490 rear wheel horsepower and just under 400 ft/pounds of torque. To say that it was fast would be a massive understatement.

That said my NC1 is faster 0 to 60 and 170 to 190. (Hehe). Depending on who you talk to the Gen NSX is more or less comfortable then the 1st generation. For sure they are both great long distance road cars though the 1st generation gives you more space for luggage and stowage space in the cockpit. Both are absolutely massively good as daily drivers. Interestingly enough a lot of the 2nd generation owners do their daily driving in quiet mode! I believe that Doc Lane did this.

We actually had a thread on the 2nd generation owners page of people who have owned both and there the consensus is that if they could have one of the to the vast majority would keep the 2nd generation. Well they are both phenomenal carts the 2nd generation NSX is the most pleasurable daily driving super car built at this time.

An interesting aside when you go to car shows both get attention however the 2nd generation seems to put you in a completely different category. Remember there are only just over 2500 2nd generation NSX's on Earth. ( And American Honda has promised parts for the next 30 years!)

 

[jeffreygebhart]

I have both 03 NSX (previously 92) and 19 NSX (previously 17).

I love both cars, they are different. I enjoy manual car more, so my heart is with older NSX. However, as daily driver, hands down NC1. It is subtle, only attract good attention, doesn't scream look at me, extremely efficient, can drive fast without looking like trying too hard. I previously had Mclaren 570s and Ferrari 488GTB as daily driver, neither as good as NC1 NSX, the lag off the line is so bad on both 570s and 488GTB. So I went back to 19 NSX. In daily driver category, only newer 911 Turbo S come close to NC1 IMO. Overall NC1 is solid all around performer, and arguably best in terms of practical performance. One thing I do recommend is all NC1 owners is install Sprint Booster V3, for $300 the amount of enjoyment enhancement is amazing. Made the car near Tesla Model S performance efficient.

NA1/NA2 NSX to me is also a great daily driver and can do everything I need, just not as efficiently while it shine in other areas. To me it is in ultimate classic/daily driver category. I drive it about 50% of time.

I put cars in 3 category (Daily driver, Weekend, classic). If I can only have 1 car that does everything for my needs, it will be NC1 until something better become available. If I can always have more than one car, one thing for certain is I will always have a NA1 or NA2, the classic category never change. Daily driver category will always change.

Ok, if nobody else will ask, then I will...how does the NC1 compare with the Aventador? (Sorry for going off-subject, but I'm curious!)

 

[docjohn]

I'm just here because this is the most mature civil nc1-NA1/2 discussion ever...........................:biggrin: