We were one of the guys who test drive the NSX on Friday early morning so got to see all of the NSX's lined up at the Acura section. This year at Monterey Acura had a prime location for their venue as it was literally next to the Quail exclusive car show. Across the street was Porsche and just down the road was Lamborghini doing their test drive event as well. (*McLaren was the only ones that was situated away from everyone else) which probably wasn't a bad ideas as the traffic jam getting into this area was a mess (imagine 2-lane road being shared by pretty much all road traffic that led to cars backed up onto the highway shoulder waiting to get inside!)
From our memory, Acura had Nord Grey, 130R white, Valencia Red, the sexy blue, and the Casino white which was what we drove. The car we drove had the race Trofeo tires we noticed and logged nearly 16k miles already. The car drove like a brand new car (aside from some wear on the driver bolsters which is common given the variety of people who have driven this car). No funny creaks, rattles or otherwise noticeable used traits. The car shifted crisply and accelerated like you would expect in Sport+ and Track modes. The paddles were not as precise as say in the Huracan or McLaren but gave off it's own distinct feel with each gear change. As some of you have mentioned before the exhaust note in the NSX is unique in Track mode. It is sporty, higher pitched, and you get to hear the "whoosh" BOV at hard throttle let-offs. We passed quite a few exotics during our test drive from a Pagani to 570s and would say the Acura held it's own in terms of road worthiness. The car is significantly "wider" and lower slung than the previous generation NSX. When the 570s took off, we were able to stay right on his bumper for brisk periods and when we finally took it up the twisties, the car had great road feel. It's not mechanical feel like you get in a Miata or s2000 but Acura does a good job of making you feel very confident in the car. This was not our first time in this car however given we drove 2+ hours in the Huracan, we immediately noticed how good the stock seats were. My back was thanking me for being in the NSX and I had no inclination to want to get out. The seats fit me like a glove (6'2, 180lbs). I felt like I could drive cross country in this car! In the Lambo, my back is limited to roughly 2 hours max!
I did get to drive the 720s (not that same day) and also the 570s a multitude of times and can honestly say the McLaren has the BEST seats and driving position of the cars that day. (didn't drive any Ferrari) so only comparing the NSX, McLaren and Huracan here.
here's my rankings and the 720s is no surprise given it's nearly $150k+ difference in price!
1) McLaren 720s
2) McLaren 570s
3) Huracan
4) NSX
Of course in this list of cars, all of them are top company so you can't say which one is the best because all of us have different priorities. It's like picking the right tool for the job. For example if we wanted a all purpose car that can be daily driver, track car or weekend headturner, we would pick the NSX.
Few cars can match the Huracan's visual look or the sound of the V10 in Corsa mode at WOT. It's an "in-your-face" car that turns heads and for this purpose it serves a great weekend car. Our biggest fault is the factory seats, we should have opted for the carbon race seats.
The McLaren has the best support seats in the business. For my body frame, this was the most comfortable car that blends a race car with the super exotic feel. Steering is very responsive, almost kart like and the low front forward seating position is very unique. The tiny steering wheel (my guess is around 320mm) feels special compared to the NSX wheel. Virtually no blind spots over the shoulder makes this car much easier to drive in daily traffic. There are actually glass panels through the rear pillars so you can see everything. The NSX is also pretty good in this area. The worst offender is the Huracan as you simply CANNOT see over your right shoulder so driving it in traffic requires a lot of TLC, not very confidence inspiring when changing lanes for sure.
At the end of the day - my wife loved the new NSX the most. She drove it like she drives her DD - confidence was easy and she loved the added speed for sure! (she hates driving the Huracan in comparison) but has not driven the McLaren yet so not sure how she feels. I think if the NSX has good potential. Change up a few things on the interior, add a nice aftermarket exhaust and the car is going to be a very solid performer in the $130-$160k price range which is right where the R8 is currently at.
Sorry for being so wordy, here are some photos:
Our Huracan parked next to a 570s:
720s interior was on point for sure:
Proper plate for this car:
