Hi guys,
I just bought my first NSX, a bright red '91 5 speed, and thought I'd share some of my reactions to the car. Like a lot of people, I was considering a Porsche 911 as well and test drove over 10 examples of both 993s and 964s. My previous car was a BMW 325is. I had my heart set on a 911 and have been looking for the perfect example for a few months now, but then as soon as I drove the NSX, I bought it immediately.
Appearance: This is probably one of the most subjective areas, but I thought the NSX was far and away the most beautiful car of the group. The 993 porsches look nice as well, but it's really the NSX that gets my pulse racing.
Ergonomics: The 325 probably had the best internal ergonomics of the lot, but that probably had more to do with the fact that it was a luxury coupe more than anything else. I am still troubled by how difficult it is to get in and out of the NSX, but once I'm in...Wow, what a view.
Steering: I LOVE the lack of power steering. It's precise and transmits road feedback well. It's reminiscient of the old 911 Carreras in the 80s. I think the newer 911s lose something by boosting the power assist. After I drove the NSX, the bmw felt remarkably loose and imprecise.
Suspension: The 911 was much stiffer and the chassis felt more solid than the NSX. The BMW was a significant step lower (didn't have the sport suspension). The 911, though more solid, was harder to live with as a daily driver because of the stiffness. The NSX is probably a little soft for my tastes tho. I'm still struggling with learning the limits of the car, especially with the different moment of inertia compared to the bmw and the 911. I almost lost it on a decreasing radius exit when I hit a patch of bumps on the road.
Transmission: The shifter on the NSX is heavenly. I cant begin to describe how great the short throws and positive gate feedback feel. The only better I've used is the Miata shifter. The throws on the BMW and Porsche are significantly longer, and the porsche also lacks the precision of the other two. Probably my only complaint with the NSX is the clutch... It's too light for my tastes and in my opinion tougher to get "right" than the BMW or Porsche. I happen to think the 325 has the best weight and engagement of the lot.
Engine: My NSX has an aftermarket exhaust, making it louder than stock. The sweet note of the engine closed the deal for me. It's the smoothest, most rev happy engine of the lot. I wish it had a bit more bottom end oomph, but it's enough power for me. The 911 has a more versatile powerband and a lumpy idle and exhaust note that is strangely appealing. The BMW engine is smooth, but just cant compete.
Just my initial thoughts after 2 days of ownership. i've already driven for over 200 miles and I just cant stop.
I just bought my first NSX, a bright red '91 5 speed, and thought I'd share some of my reactions to the car. Like a lot of people, I was considering a Porsche 911 as well and test drove over 10 examples of both 993s and 964s. My previous car was a BMW 325is. I had my heart set on a 911 and have been looking for the perfect example for a few months now, but then as soon as I drove the NSX, I bought it immediately.
Appearance: This is probably one of the most subjective areas, but I thought the NSX was far and away the most beautiful car of the group. The 993 porsches look nice as well, but it's really the NSX that gets my pulse racing.
Ergonomics: The 325 probably had the best internal ergonomics of the lot, but that probably had more to do with the fact that it was a luxury coupe more than anything else. I am still troubled by how difficult it is to get in and out of the NSX, but once I'm in...Wow, what a view.
Steering: I LOVE the lack of power steering. It's precise and transmits road feedback well. It's reminiscient of the old 911 Carreras in the 80s. I think the newer 911s lose something by boosting the power assist. After I drove the NSX, the bmw felt remarkably loose and imprecise.
Suspension: The 911 was much stiffer and the chassis felt more solid than the NSX. The BMW was a significant step lower (didn't have the sport suspension). The 911, though more solid, was harder to live with as a daily driver because of the stiffness. The NSX is probably a little soft for my tastes tho. I'm still struggling with learning the limits of the car, especially with the different moment of inertia compared to the bmw and the 911. I almost lost it on a decreasing radius exit when I hit a patch of bumps on the road.
Transmission: The shifter on the NSX is heavenly. I cant begin to describe how great the short throws and positive gate feedback feel. The only better I've used is the Miata shifter. The throws on the BMW and Porsche are significantly longer, and the porsche also lacks the precision of the other two. Probably my only complaint with the NSX is the clutch... It's too light for my tastes and in my opinion tougher to get "right" than the BMW or Porsche. I happen to think the 325 has the best weight and engagement of the lot.
Engine: My NSX has an aftermarket exhaust, making it louder than stock. The sweet note of the engine closed the deal for me. It's the smoothest, most rev happy engine of the lot. I wish it had a bit more bottom end oomph, but it's enough power for me. The 911 has a more versatile powerband and a lumpy idle and exhaust note that is strangely appealing. The BMW engine is smooth, but just cant compete.
Just my initial thoughts after 2 days of ownership. i've already driven for over 200 miles and I just cant stop.
