My 2 cents...
Actually, this discussion is perhaps a bit more relevant, in my opinion, than the M5 vs the NSX thread. I think the NSX and C5 are much more closely matched or related by virtue that at least they're both two seater sports cars.
As Lud (I think) pointed out, these are two cars that take different approaches to solve the same or similar problems. The C5 engineers stuck with front engine-rear drive for a number of reasons. Cost and packaging were reasons and I suppose historical inertia was another reason. The C5 is Chevrolet's flagship just as the NSX is Honda's.
I LOVE my NSX, but I also have to admit as I mentioned in other topic, that Chevy has done a lot of things right with the C5. It's amazingly lightweight and stiff, it handles and performs very well. It is a HUGE refinement over the C4 (and the C3 which I own
heheheh ). Your friend makes a number of valid points.
When the NSX came out it was SO MUCH better than the C4 Corvette (IMHO) that it was clearly worth the premium in price. It was in a different league.
But ten years have gone by and while the NSX is still a marvelous automobile, I think it's fair to say that Chevy has really narrowed the gap in pretty much all technical and performance areas. The C5 is also much more refined and solid than in the past. Quality is vastly improved.
However, at least for me, cars are not merely the sum of their parts or their specfications. I seriously considered buying a C5 Corvette. Seriously. But for me a HAD to have a NSX.
I like the mid-engine concept, I like the technical details of the NSX, I love the styling, I like that you don't see them all over the place, I like Honda products...
I think it's all too easy to get caught up in a game where in order to make one car good another car has to be bad. The C5 is a fine car. Considering the price difference between the NSX - I too would be hard pressed to explain why the NSX should cost twice as much.
Of course, it does come down to numbers. Honda needs, from what I hear, to make around 2000 to 3000 NSXs a year to really make it a profitable venture. I don't think that they've done that except in the first few years. Chevy sells ten times that number of Corvettes.
Here's what I wish for...
I hope Honda buys a Z06 C5 and applies certain technologies to the next generation of NSX. I hope this next NSX is more affordable ($55K - $60K) and Honda produces and sells what they need to keep the car alive and thriving. I wouldn't want Honda to produce as many NSXs as Corvettes, but they need to sell more than 150 units a year.
I hope they maintain the styling and design concepts intact. I hope they use the new V8 engine and I hope it produces 400+ horsepower. If steel makes sense from an engineering and cost point of view, then so be it. Although, I would like to see a number of composite body panels. I also hope for a few more color choices.
Longer term, I'd love to see Honda work on enhancing the VTEC design. Why only two cams lobes per valve? How about electronic-solenoid valves? Let's get away from all those springs and associated drag and go to a completely and infinitely variable valvetrain that isn't driven by a parasitic timing belt and springs. It's been under development by a few companies but Honda could make it work affordably. Such an engine would scream!!! I'm guessing that the current 290 hp V6 could be in the 350 hp range with such a system....
-Jim
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1991 NSX Blk/Blk
1974 Vette 454 4 spd
Wht/Blk