(Ok, I posted this on M3Forum as well, but thought it's relevant for Prime as well)
After having driven the NSX a fair bit now, I thought I'd give a brief comparison between an E46 M3 and an NA2 NSX. The E46 is the previous generation of M3, 2001-2006. Current, one is E92.
Seats - M3 has pretty awesome stock seats, with the benefit of nice side bolstering and lumbar support features. I always thought the M3 seats were underrated because they do well on long trips. Seat heater is a nice add-on. The NSX seats are more spartan with only 2-way control. They are surprisingly good given their basic appearance and old design. M3's are better but not sure you could even fit those into the tighter cabin of the NSX.
Driver Position - The NSX has a very unique perspective. It has an F1 feel to it. I'm sure there may be some other cars out there like it, but none that I've driven. It tops out the M3, even though M3's is excellent as well.
Interior - Without a doubt, the NSX interior is dated. There are not many comfort conveniences like a usable cupholder, Satellite radio, or even digital odometer. I think Honda did a poor job of updating it. My NSX is newer but inside you would never know. But the NSX is a pure driver's car, so you don't really miss those things--and most can be found on the aftermarket. The M3 interior (and mine is old, 01) has perfect ergonomics almost. Of course, newer cars will always have newer bling but the M3 gives you what you (pretty much) need. And not any additional clutter.
Power - Both are naturally aspirated, 3.2L engines with 8K redlines. The delivery is therefore similar and both cars become more fun as you rev high and scream to the limit. Acura has a nice VTEC kick later on. At 290hp, the NSX produces less output than 333hp for the M3, but the power/weight ratios are similar. I think 0-60 times of both cars are in the high 4's and low/mid 13's for 1/4 miles. Don't drag race, and neither are muscle cars but both quick enough. The NSX feels a bit faster, but the M3 might actually be. This difference might be accounted for by the lower weight, and the fact my NSX has suspension and is lowered. I would call this even.
Style - I am obviously quite biased but I think these are 2 of the best looking cars around. Both have a timeless appearance. LSB paint makes the M3 look exotic. NSX is an exotic by design. I really like them both. I think the 02+ update makes the NSX look better than the M3. Although I prefer the look of the M3 to the pre-02 NSXs, which are dated. Both cars look excellent modded, but I think a well-modded NSX is a class ahead. Obviously this is very subjective, as is all of this post. The M3 is a an E46 on steroids. The NSX is very unique and gets attention everywhere. Everybody asks what kind of car it is, people take pics, etc. M3 doesn't get that kind of love--which maybe better off for some people, depending on what you want. BTW, I think you ned to get north of $100K or into Italian exotics to really get better looking vehicles.
Daily Driveabilty - M3, hands down. As mentioned, the interior conveniences and add the large trunk, extra cabin space, and rear seats and it's way more useful. NSX has more rattles and squeaks, especially with the targa. M3 is an almost perfect daily driver. If you are tall, the NSX cabin is small and that may be a bit too much all of the time.
Reliability - M3 is quite quirky as many of you know. It requires alot of money for upkeep and there are always things that come up. Repairs, etc. It runs amazing as long as you put the $$ into it. I haven't had the NSX for that long, but thus far it's been aproblematic. That's a gem in a sports car. Honda reliablity in a higher end car is the hidden secret behind the NSX.
Gearbox - NSX has shorter throws and is more sporty. For some reason M3 has a broomstick which never really made sense given the whole sport version of the series. Again, this can be modded. I've kept mine stock and for me there is some appeal on the clumsy shifter as I've grown used to it. I like it.
Exhaust - Both cars have a nice stock note. I like the NSX because of the MR, you hear the howl right behind your ears. That's definitely an advantage and makes you really want to rev high. You do that in the M too, but the feedback from the engine position in the NSX is superior.
Suspension - Because I have a suspension on the NSX and not on the M3, it is isn't really a good comparison. I actually prefer the M3, maybe because I don't like modded suspensions as much. You get a nice road feel on both cars. I feel more planted in the M3, and have more confidence on single lane overtaking. I think I really know the M better due to having it for such a long time. As I learn the NSX more, this may even out. It's also easier to overtake in an M3 because in the NSX you are so low, that you can't see over the car in front of you so don't know what's ahead.
I guess I could keep going on, but both are great cars. I was contemplating which car to FI, and I think it will be the NSX. Stock is quick, but a nice SC or Turbo kit makes it really fast, on par with the newer fast cars of today. NSX looks like it should go faster, and I think there are more relative gains in this route. I still consider doing it to the M3, but the M3 feels fast as it should. Plus the reliability will be further compromised whereas the NSX chassis can more likely handle the extra boost with less consequence.
If I had to own one car only, it would be the M3 simply because of its practicality and every day ease of use. Not neccesarily because it is the better car. I don't really have a favorite yet--both are phenomenal in their own rights and I am fortunate to have driven both. I am very loyal the M as I've had it for over 6 years and know its ins and outs and have pushed it near its limits with supreme confidence. I think the cars are actually more similar than different, and it takes those who understand handling, balance and style are more important that HP & torque, to truly appreciate either one.
After having driven the NSX a fair bit now, I thought I'd give a brief comparison between an E46 M3 and an NA2 NSX. The E46 is the previous generation of M3, 2001-2006. Current, one is E92.
Seats - M3 has pretty awesome stock seats, with the benefit of nice side bolstering and lumbar support features. I always thought the M3 seats were underrated because they do well on long trips. Seat heater is a nice add-on. The NSX seats are more spartan with only 2-way control. They are surprisingly good given their basic appearance and old design. M3's are better but not sure you could even fit those into the tighter cabin of the NSX.
Driver Position - The NSX has a very unique perspective. It has an F1 feel to it. I'm sure there may be some other cars out there like it, but none that I've driven. It tops out the M3, even though M3's is excellent as well.
Interior - Without a doubt, the NSX interior is dated. There are not many comfort conveniences like a usable cupholder, Satellite radio, or even digital odometer. I think Honda did a poor job of updating it. My NSX is newer but inside you would never know. But the NSX is a pure driver's car, so you don't really miss those things--and most can be found on the aftermarket. The M3 interior (and mine is old, 01) has perfect ergonomics almost. Of course, newer cars will always have newer bling but the M3 gives you what you (pretty much) need. And not any additional clutter.
Power - Both are naturally aspirated, 3.2L engines with 8K redlines. The delivery is therefore similar and both cars become more fun as you rev high and scream to the limit. Acura has a nice VTEC kick later on. At 290hp, the NSX produces less output than 333hp for the M3, but the power/weight ratios are similar. I think 0-60 times of both cars are in the high 4's and low/mid 13's for 1/4 miles. Don't drag race, and neither are muscle cars but both quick enough. The NSX feels a bit faster, but the M3 might actually be. This difference might be accounted for by the lower weight, and the fact my NSX has suspension and is lowered. I would call this even.
Style - I am obviously quite biased but I think these are 2 of the best looking cars around. Both have a timeless appearance. LSB paint makes the M3 look exotic. NSX is an exotic by design. I really like them both. I think the 02+ update makes the NSX look better than the M3. Although I prefer the look of the M3 to the pre-02 NSXs, which are dated. Both cars look excellent modded, but I think a well-modded NSX is a class ahead. Obviously this is very subjective, as is all of this post. The M3 is a an E46 on steroids. The NSX is very unique and gets attention everywhere. Everybody asks what kind of car it is, people take pics, etc. M3 doesn't get that kind of love--which maybe better off for some people, depending on what you want. BTW, I think you ned to get north of $100K or into Italian exotics to really get better looking vehicles.
Daily Driveabilty - M3, hands down. As mentioned, the interior conveniences and add the large trunk, extra cabin space, and rear seats and it's way more useful. NSX has more rattles and squeaks, especially with the targa. M3 is an almost perfect daily driver. If you are tall, the NSX cabin is small and that may be a bit too much all of the time.
Reliability - M3 is quite quirky as many of you know. It requires alot of money for upkeep and there are always things that come up. Repairs, etc. It runs amazing as long as you put the $$ into it. I haven't had the NSX for that long, but thus far it's been aproblematic. That's a gem in a sports car. Honda reliablity in a higher end car is the hidden secret behind the NSX.
Gearbox - NSX has shorter throws and is more sporty. For some reason M3 has a broomstick which never really made sense given the whole sport version of the series. Again, this can be modded. I've kept mine stock and for me there is some appeal on the clumsy shifter as I've grown used to it. I like it.
Exhaust - Both cars have a nice stock note. I like the NSX because of the MR, you hear the howl right behind your ears. That's definitely an advantage and makes you really want to rev high. You do that in the M too, but the feedback from the engine position in the NSX is superior.
Suspension - Because I have a suspension on the NSX and not on the M3, it is isn't really a good comparison. I actually prefer the M3, maybe because I don't like modded suspensions as much. You get a nice road feel on both cars. I feel more planted in the M3, and have more confidence on single lane overtaking. I think I really know the M better due to having it for such a long time. As I learn the NSX more, this may even out. It's also easier to overtake in an M3 because in the NSX you are so low, that you can't see over the car in front of you so don't know what's ahead.
I guess I could keep going on, but both are great cars. I was contemplating which car to FI, and I think it will be the NSX. Stock is quick, but a nice SC or Turbo kit makes it really fast, on par with the newer fast cars of today. NSX looks like it should go faster, and I think there are more relative gains in this route. I still consider doing it to the M3, but the M3 feels fast as it should. Plus the reliability will be further compromised whereas the NSX chassis can more likely handle the extra boost with less consequence.
If I had to own one car only, it would be the M3 simply because of its practicality and every day ease of use. Not neccesarily because it is the better car. I don't really have a favorite yet--both are phenomenal in their own rights and I am fortunate to have driven both. I am very loyal the M as I've had it for over 6 years and know its ins and outs and have pushed it near its limits with supreme confidence. I think the cars are actually more similar than different, and it takes those who understand handling, balance and style are more important that HP & torque, to truly appreciate either one.
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