| Author | Message | ||
| Eddie Lee (Lee168)
New member Username: Lee168 Post Number: 33 Registered: 1-2003 |
Forgot to add: McLaren Honda won 15 out of 16 total races in 1988, the most wins per season record in F1 history. | ||
| Eddie Lee (Lee168)
New member Username: Lee168 Post Number: 32 Registered: 1-2003 |
Brian (1 day), you're right! I would also add the great Ayrton Senna to the list of the greatest drivers (McLaren Honda F1). I can't quite recall which book I read that had an interesting chapter about how Senna was involved in the development of the NSX plus how he had demonstrated the NSX's maximum potential on the track (in the rain!). I love Ferraris. I also love and respect Honda. | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 120 Registered: 5-2002 |
I also think licenses are dispensed here so that the avg.Joe can have one. I never did "Drivers Ed" I attended Bondurant's program and got my SCCA license .Waited till I turned 18 and applied for my DL. I was not talking about going racing in a straight line either, heck my grandma can press her arthritic foot down and aim a car . I'm talking a canyon road foot to the floor and hang on. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2386 Registered: 9-2001 |
Jeffrey, I agree that more driver training would increase safety on the roads. But, you're full of crapola if you don't think there are a LOT of Jap car drivers that could blow you away no matter what you were driving. A lot of WRC drivers come to mind. I was at a tight road course in Alabama once and a fellow in a Honda Civic was running away from everyone including a then new 355 challenge car and its driver. The 355 would pass him on the straights, but the Civic would work his way around the 355 on the curves. After a few laps the Civic was so far ahead that the 355 could no longer catch up in the straights. I was there in my 328 and the Civic lapped me in about 10 laps. | ||
| Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member Username: 86mondial32 Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2003 |
WFO... that thinking is a BIG part of the problem for all of us. Kids that think they know how to drive and have horsepower in a car that was never designed for it.I have always been a fan of the new european method.... you can only get licensed to drive certain cars if you prove ability. If only we had that in this country only real drivers would own Ferrari's and other exotic machines. I would love to see all of the kiddies driving around in 80Hp hondas. And before you start bashing... I was into SCCA racing years ago ( 80's) and was usually able to blow off Mustang GT's and Camaros on the streets where I lived with a 911S. They had horsepower ove me but I had skill and could kill them in the twisty bits. Let's see the F**king Jap cars with NOS take me on a winding road. AS a great man once said... you can make a brick go fast in a straight line with enough horsepower.It takes talent to DRIVE. | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 117 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have no problems with the "Fart Crowd" as some of you guys put it. The few that I have seen look like they use their tires. To the great unwashed a Ferrari is supposed to be fast when in some cases it's not I can see why Ricky Racer tries to goad people. I judge a "driver" by the condition of their tires . If the edges aren't feathered and it still shows the nipple castings I ask myself why buy a sports car. We avg. 3 to 4 months on a set of tires. Time after time I see all types of sports cars with tires looking like they have just been installed and you ask the owner and they have several thousand miles on them. Can't understand that thought process. WFO | ||
| Jennifer Howell (360girlygirl)
New member Username: 360girlygirl Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2003 |
Eduardo, I'm with Jack on this. I think your friends car was a P.O.S. Are you sure it was a real Ferrari? JK! I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago and saw a NSX. They are beautiful cars but nothing compared to any Ferrari. | ||
| Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member Username: 86mondial32 Post Number: 39 Registered: 5-2003 |
"nearly anyone can buy a 328"... ROFL right.. talk to your bank and see how willing they are to cover one on a loan. Few of the people that can get approved for a new 24k Honda would be approved for a 328. This is not hype or ranting..it is based on many years in finance. Banks will front for a new civic to any office worker.. but say the F word ( or Porsche or Lotus) and see what happens. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2383 Registered: 9-2001 |
Come on guys, as much as you may love Ferraris you still must acknowledge other great cars out there. I believe Honda has won the F1 Championship on more than one occasion and will again in the future. | ||
| Mark Lambert (Mlambert890)
Junior Member Username: Mlambert890 Post Number: 85 Registered: 4-2002 |
These threads are always pointless and ridiculous... There are two things that do always bug me though that I'll bite on. One is "it's not a Ferrari and never will be". I think that's patently obvious since it would be impossible on a quantum level for any other car to ever actually BE a Ferrari. That's basically a cheap out for writing off every other car that has ever, or will ever, exist and it really doesnt do Ferrari justice. If the only argument an F car enthusiast can come up with against something like, say, a Lambo Murci is "well, it's STILL not a Ferrari and only the gold chain crowd buys it", I'd say that's a bad sign. The other thing that bugs me is the "must be envious" thing. Why on earth would an NSX (or Viper, or Lotus, or what have you) owner be envious of a 328??? As many on this board love to point out, nearly anyone can buy a 328, so is "envy" really a valid point in any way? It makes no sense to say that someone envies something which they can obviously afford to own. The argument might make sense when talking "new Accord vs. 20+ year old Ferrari" but it really doesn't hold water for $70-$90k non-Ferrari vs. 328... | ||
| Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member Username: 86mondial32 Post Number: 38 Registered: 5-2003 |
Brian.. you named part of the problem.. the Fart can crowd as you said. That and the Fast and the Furious wannabess. I was always amused by one line in that movie where Vin diesel looked at a Jap car motor and said " not a bad way to spend a hundred grand" I laughed my ass off. For half that he could have brought a real sports car (328, 930,928s4,Bora ,Jalpa or any number of others) and had both respect and heritage over just another f**ked up Civic. | ||
| Brian C Thenhaus (1day)
Junior Member Username: 1day Post Number: 61 Registered: 3-2003 |
Can someone please explain to me why some people bash Honda? Yes,I'd rather drive a Ferrari, and no I can't stand the fart-can crowd either. However, Honda has a very distinguished racing history. We all know the Ferrari has probably the most time-honored history in racing, but let's face it....at the time Honda designed the NSX, they were winning races in all kinds of events left and right. Alex Zanardi, Adrian Fernandez and Co. were some of the best drivers around. Although I don't have any specifics to support it, I would venture to guess that Honda still pumps more money into racing programs that just about anybody. A Honda, whether it be a Civic or an NSX is a well built car that will run forever. They are not Ferrari's, nor will they ever be. However for what they are, they are great cars. | ||
| Crawford White (Crawford)
Junior Member Username: Crawford Post Number: 63 Registered: 3-2003 |
It means you'd rather be driving your Ferrari!!! FWIW - I owned an NSX for 6 years and 85k miles. Loved it. Test drove a 328 in '93 (shortly after I got the NSX) and wasn't impressed. Times and attitudes change. I just bought my second 328 and couldn't imaging going back to an NSX. I wanted something that really felt like a true sports/race car and the 328 is it. You can "feel" the engine in the 328 and that's something I love. It's like having a subwoofer. I've driven a 348 and 355 and been in a 360 and F-40. None of those cars gives the same sensation. I think what is exhilirating in a car is 'perceived' speed. These other cars are all faster than the 328, but are they more exciting at x mph?? My tubi will be delived Monday and the car will then be even more RAW and LOUD - can't wait! | ||
| Don Gallo (4renvme)
New member Username: 4renvme Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2003 |
The sun is finally out here in rainy NJ, and I wish I could drive my 308 -- but it's in the shop for a cracked header and inoperable headlights. Looks like I'll be driving my NSX... What does this mean? | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 108 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rob, WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE??!! I'm reading through this funny little thread, with no real opinion, then see your pic! "Ferrari ya daddy!" Hilarious...! | ||
| Eddie Lee (Lee168)
New member Username: Lee168 Post Number: 31 Registered: 1-2003 |
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity of owning a couple of nsx's and a couple of Ferraris. IMO, the comparison, if must be made, between the NSX and the ferrari, it should be the 348 comparing to the 1st generation NSX (up to 96') and the 355 comparing to the 97' and later nsx's. The 328 was developed years earlier and would not be a fair comparison to the NSX. By this time I'm sounding like a die-hard Ferrari fan, and I am! Nonetheless, I do want to be objective as well. That said, I believe the 1st generation NSX (up to 96') would compare favorably against the 348 from the driveability, dependability, and even sheer performance standpoints. The styling comparison, however, will be truly subjective. With the 355 replacing the 348 and comparing it with the 2nd generation NSX (97' and later), I would tend to believe that the 355 should have the edge over the nsx in just about every category other than the daily dependability. However in 1999, there were 50 copies of the Alex Zanardi nsx's made (only 49 were available because Alex himself was offered #1 out of 50) and these were all coupes and they were 149 pounds lighter than that of the regular production targa version. The suspension on these 50 examples was also specifically tuned for better handling. On regular roads, these light-wight NSX's weren't comfortable due to the extreme stiffness. Performance-wise, these special NSX's compared favorabaly against the 355 (spyder). In fact, Mario Andretti picked the Zanardi NSX over the 355 (spyder) for better overall performace in a "best handling" sports cars comparison article in R&T. Bottom line (for me): The NSX, in its different iterations, objectively held its own against the comparable Ferrari models. It was truly a very balanced car to drive and a wonderfully dependable car to own. About the only thing that it lacks is that "mystique", "passion , and the "illustrious history" of the prancing horse which so many of us agree to be the ultimate reason of owning that Ferrari! | ||
| Dr. J C928 (Attitude928)
New member Username: Attitude928 Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2002 |
The 270hp NSX coupe, 290hp NSX-T, WRX, '02-on S2000, STI & Evo8 are all great cars. I want to own them all at one time or another. My daily driver has been a WRX which has been great in many ways. I was considering purchasing a weekend country car and looked at an '01 NSX. The guy who owned it even liked it better than his 360 Modena. He performed some wicked spin in place moves with his NSX for me. Notwithstanding, the NSX didn't do it for me. I started researching classics that preceded the NSX including Ferrari, Lambo, Maser, Alfa, Iso, Jensen & Lotus. I wanted price, performance, relative reliability, heritage, looks & uniqueness and, so far, am happy with my purchase. I'll ultimately still go for more of the Japanese, but there is something that draws me to be the caretaker of Italian art on wheels. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 3144 Registered: 6-2001 |
Then why dont we compare the NSX to the 348? Thats seems like a fair comparo. Comparing the 328 to the NSX doenst make sense. Even though FNA's website says that the 328 was substantially a new car from the 308 (im not sure exactly what they mean by thisl, they just say the 328 uses the 308 styling they say) its stil older. This is why i think NSX vs 348 is a more valid comapro. I'm waiting for this to turn into a 360 vs Z06 argument though. | ||
| Eduardo Barcelo (Edudiaz123)
New member Username: Edudiaz123 Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2002 |
Geez,take it easy guys. Don't take it personally. Please do not judge my comments as someone who has "Ferrari envy",i could afford a pair of 360's right now, but i'm happy with my 996; and i don't like the attention. I guess you are all correct; i should not base my opinion on the bad experiences of just one 328. Cased closed, next thread pleaseeese. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 481 Registered: 10-2001 |
For all of you having trouble with the comparison.. NSX went up against 348 in all the mags when it came out in 1991. NSX won in every catagory. Since most on this board agree that the 348 is upgraded in power and handleing over the 3x8 I would have to say the NSX is a much better car then the 3X8. If you want logic and proof it is there. However this is F-chat and you will mostly get religion from people here (soul) and passion, with some of the posters, logic goes right out the window at F-chat if its not a Ferrari-to-Ferrari comparison :-) -I still think the 3X8 is best looking car -348 is a great car! Martin proved this to me. -NSX is just better car all around. If you listened to all the car magazines durring that time period. (What do I know?) Ferrari went on to one-up NSX with 355 and has now passed it with 360. But that is NOT the question of the man who started this post. He is not looking in that 2x or 3x price range | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5144 Registered: 12-2000 |
 Who's ya daddy? Ferrari ya daddy! | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 1226 Registered: 3-2001 |
Eduardo, this is such an awkward (apples to oranges) comparison, let's turn it around a bit. NSX vs Ferrari 360. Both are new cars still in production. It will take you 2 years to get on a waiting list for one of 2500 limited production 360's. Or you can walk into a Honda/Acura dealer today and buy an NSX off the showroom floor because there is no demand. And what are the production numbers for NSX's these days... less than 300 per year? Nobody wants them. So whaddaya think... what's the deal here? BTW, isn't this the same kind of comparison as the NSX to the 328? | ||
| Don Norton (Litig8r)
Junior Member Username: Litig8r Post Number: 150 Registered: 6-2001 |
Wow - he's right! I must sell my Ferrari and buy a Honda!!!! | ||
| Don Gallo (4renvme)
New member Username: 4renvme Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2003 |
I've owned a '92 NSX for 8 years and an '85 308 GTS Euro for 3 months. They're both wonderful cars, but comparisons other than for historical purposes are a bit silly. With both cars side-byside in the garage, it's actually really interesting to note how much Honda, ahem, "borrowed" from the 308/328 for the NSX -- it clearly was their closest reference point. And, it's great to see how the NSX influenced later Ferraris like the 355 and the 360. It's a bummer Honda hasn't updated the NSX in almost 12 years, though; the NSX is no longer up-to-date. I've done my own tweaks to keep it interesting, though ;-) Moral? Competition among manufacturers is good for gearheads who enjoy cars, whoever makes them. And, no point talking about which is better -- just own them all <g>. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5143 Registered: 12-2000 |
All NSX fans should thank the Ferrari 408! | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 1225 Registered: 3-2001 |
Eduardo, you've stated there is no comparison between the 328 and the NSX??? The NSX was developed in the 90's and the 328 started development with the 308 in the mid 70's. What kind of comparison is this???? I would certainly HOPE the NSX has some updated engineering advantages over a 328??? However I'd still never own the Honda... although the Civic is a great car.  | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 500 Registered: 2-2001 |
Eduardo: I have a 308 GTSi and I (and others who have driven it long distances) will agree that long distance driving is the most exhausting experience, especially on hot days, the heat, noise and smell inherent in these cars can overwhelm. As to reliability, nothing $20k of preventative maintenance wont cure. (The only issue I HAVEN'T had with mine is Spontaneous Ferrari Combustion and a broken timing belt - but I practice emergency egress weekly and already have the E-bay 'blown motor' posting saved in a Word document just waiting to be posted). But I just can't bring myself to sell it just yet.... | ||
| Ron Vallejo (Ron328)
Junior Member Username: Ron328 Post Number: 153 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hmmn...another case of Ferrari envy? | ||
| Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member Username: 86mondial32 Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2003 |
I can't let this pass... Anyone here that reads FORZA may have read the story sent in by a 328 driver that was T boned by a moving SEMI truck. Seems the driver of the rig caught the 328 on the drivers side rear quarter during a lane change and the 328 ended up across the front of the SEMI. After being pushed several hundred yards before stopping the driver of the 328 was unhurt and the car was basically intact. Left rear suspension was toast and most of the left side bodywork but the engine was intact and so was the cockpit. Try that with a NSX or a 355. To call the bodywork and tube frame of the 328 "kit car quality" is a sign of envy and stupitidy. Even the reviewers have stated that the NSX is a great car but has no soul and thats why it never caught on with the real exotic car followers | ||
| David Mcguire (Matkat)
New member Username: Matkat Post Number: 26 Registered: 3-2003 |
some points from me,the size issue is strange i am 5"11 and no probs in the car with the roof on.My gts has 37k miles and no probs on mine as mentioned it has been in the shop once for it"s annual service,sure it has it"s faults just like any other car. I do like the look of the nsx but to put one of these up against a 328 is plainly ridiculous. best regrds Dave McGuire | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Junior Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 167 Registered: 2-2003 |
Similar value thread: "The Bugatti Type 55 coupe verses the McLaren F1 - Why would anyone want that outdated French piece of crap when they can go 0-60 in the time it takes to fart?" | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1422 Registered: 4-2002 |
This is a really stupid thread. What next? Paving machines .vs. dump trucks? | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 2567 Registered: 2-2001 |
I agree that Acura & the NSX forced Ferrari and all other exotic manufacturers to vastly improve their quality. That said its not really fair to compare a car that was essentially designed in 1977 with a car designed in 1991. You could compare a new NSX with an MB 55SL & the NSX would lose badly cus of the technology deficit in the MBs favor. How about if you compare a 1977 Ferrari 308 with a 1977 Honda product ? Now that would be funny Ferrari did answer the NSX challenge with the 355 which IMO knocked the stuffing out of the NSX. The 355 is far better looking than the NSX and has much better quality than previous Ferraris. I havent driven either car but I'll take a 355 over an NSX any day Honda has yet to answer Ferraris rebuttal that came in the form of the 355 then the 360 so Honda is now 2 generations behind Ferrari and soon to be 3 generations | ||
| Steve M (Steve308gtsi)
Junior Member Username: Steve308gtsi Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jeff, I agree with you. A Ferrari evokes some sort of a passion for a true sport car. The smell inside the click clack of the gear change etc. My a/c blows 33 degrees at the vent and I won't even drive the car if I have to have the windows up and not hear everything. I can go on and on but won't. The NSX is a fine car to run around in but just can't get to me like a Ferrari. When the weekend comes around do you take the Honda or the Ferrari? Hmm, tough decision. BTW I am 6' 3 and have no headroom issues at all. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 5096 Registered: 12-2000 |
If you are going to compare the NSX with anything, it should be the 355. 328 is a 70's design as you say yourself and the 348 was out when the NSX came out. Competition is good and the results were the beautiful, fast, and more reliable 355. Who would take a NSX over a 355? | ||
| Jeff B. (Azferrari)
New member Username: Azferrari Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2003 |
I owned a 328 and an NSX at the same time a few years ago. I hung out with both car clubs and drove both cars quite a lot. The NSX IS more comfortable, better A/C, more reliable, etc,.....but.....when I went into the garage on Saturaday morning.....the 328 was what I picked to drive............can't really explain it...that's just the way it was. I now have an F355, and I agree that the NSX made other car companies make their exotics better....and for that, I am glad. I love the F355. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 570 Registered: 1-2002 |
Where do I start? Obviously, can't comment on "fiends" 328 but I have had a GTS and now a GTB. First off, I have found both (plus other Ferraris I have owned) to be very free of rattles. In fact, my 99 M3 rattles more than the 328. I have never been stranded by any of the 6 Fcars I have owned with about 50K combined miles. Most of these were older cars with higher mileage. I have never had one overheat, even after spirited track use. Never replaced an alternator (which are Bosch units) Never had brake fade, even on tracks that are tough on brakes. I was in a crash in former 328, coliding heavily with a full size 4X4 PU. I drove home, the pickup needed help. In another story, a 328 was spun and Tboned by a tractor trailer with the occupants walking away. The AC in my GTS was poor. In my current car, I have to turn it down or I freeze. Don't know why. The clutch is not heavy at all and it shifts beautifully though it does need warming up. I have driven an NSX and I know it's a great car, but it is a Jap interpretation of a Ferrari and I found it quite "sterile" to drive. The seating postion is not the greatest, but I am 6' and have no space problems. The steering wheel is adjustable, but you do have to use a pair of wrenches. I would be the first to admit the design was well aged. My M3 can blow it away in every way except one--fun. When I go to the track ot fun ride, I take the 328 everytime. I won't even start on looks. Dave | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 614 Registered: 9-2002 |
Have a NA2 NSX and a 328. 6'4" and fit fine in the 328. Love the 328 with all my heart. No offense to you, but in general, I am getting sick of people ratting on the poor 308/328s Please people realize they are at least 14 years old now. So the NSX is faster/easier to maintain. SO WHAT Trust me, go own both and see. If the NSX fits your style/wants a year later, good for you. For me It didnt for me after I got my 328. There is more to driving than going faster than an other car. | ||
| Dave Goldman (Dave328)
Junior Member Username: Dave328 Post Number: 173 Registered: 11-2002 |
I'm with Jack here! I'm 6' and can ride in total comfort either with top on or off. The A/C performance is simply stellar. It's more likely that your friend got stuck with a unsorted garage queen. I know many 328 owners who live down here in the sweltering heat of south Louisiana and they too enjoy trouble-free summer driving. The NSX is a nice car for what it is, but why eat rice when you can have PASTA?!?! Dave | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 944 Registered: 3-2002 |
Eduardo, with all due respect, I think your friend's 328 must be a piece of s**t. I have experienced none of the problems you've mentioned, other than the heat that vents off of the front radiators which can be uncomfortable in traffic. I'm 6'2" and have no comfort issues. Not sure why his interior is so noisy, my A/C works almost too well (I'm sure people will have a hard time believing THAT one!), and with the top on, there is very little external noise at all. I totally understand your feelings, and once again, it comes down to what floats your boat. I know a guy who bought an NSX a couple years ago, and he couldn't be happier. I only "kind of" like them, which is why I have a 328. If it was strictly performance I wanted, of course I would have bought something different. But the beautiful thing is that there are so many cool cars to choose from (look at how many you listed). | ||
| Eduardo Barcelo (Edudiaz123)
New member Username: Edudiaz123 Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2002 |
I know I'm going to get flamed by this post, but here is my humble opinion on this topic. Dennis I will give it to you straight: The 328 is a fine car in itself, but when measured against newer models, it has no chance except for its subjective qualities. I don't mean to offend any 328 owners here but there should no comparison between the NSX & 328. In quality terms it's like deciding between a Travant and a Benz S500. I have come to this conclusion after having owned 2 NSX's , and driven them several times along with my best friend's late model 328 which the dealer assured was in "impeccable state". 328: FOR: great timeless design, great exhaust sound, pedigree and driver involvement AGAINST: inside, this car is literally a piece of bad engineering, it was designed and built during the 70's & "refined" during the Miami Vice era. My friend can only use his car on Sundays and only for short trips. Where do I begin?: the ergonomics are horrible, the steering is not adjustable , the seat is designed for people 4 ft tall, (it has to be the worst driving position I have ever experienced). If you are 5ft-10 or taller, you better take the roof off. The interior is from another era, the center dash/console is constantly making a symphony of rattles. The air conditioner is useless. The wind & road noise, even with the roof on, is intolerable after an hour of driving. The engine:the car overheats after long use in the summer, camshaft broken, alternators etc etc replaced..twice it has stranded my friend on the road at night , the brakes fade after heavy use, the clutch is heavy, the transmission is notchy and don't even think about shifting gears while the engine is cold. The car is unstable, and if you get into an accident, you better pray to god for some divine intervention, because its "Kit car" quality shell will disintegrate on impact. The reliability overall is dismal, the car goes to the shop at least twice a month. NSX: FOR: when the NSX came out in 1991, it literally forced Ferrari to overhaul its engineering department and product line; the fruits of this labor appeared in the form of the 355 to culminate with the great 575m and 360's of today. The NSX comes straight from Honda's involvement in Formula one. Great body design, it is fluid and contemporary (although getting old) but the car can still turn heads. It can be driven to the supermarket by grandma one minute and unleashed to the track by a pro the next. Bullet proof reliability; NSX s with 80-100k miles are not uncommon , a 328 with 30k plus is a disaster. A well maintained NSX only needs oil, gas & filters. Great ergonomics, great driving position, it is quiet and "solid" when driven civilized but can turn into a "race car" when driven hard. The engine noise at close 9k Rpm alone is worth the car's asking price. The car on the track is a jewel to behold; neutral steering, completely forgiving balanced chassis, great brakes. Oops, and i forget ABS brakes,traction control (one of the first production cars to have it), great clutch and transmission. AGAINST: Body exterior is getting a bit dated. Interior finish and design was fine in 1991, now it looks like a civic. The driving can be too sedate for some. The engine nowadays needs an extra 100hp. Japanese badge turns some people off. I currently drive a 996 & have been lucky to have owned all the Porsches you can think of ; 944,928, 968, Boxter S, plus CLK's, Bmw 5 series, 3 seires,Benz C series, and i can honestly say that after 12 years in production the are still a few contemporary sports cars that can provide a more rewarding driving experience than the NSX, even when compared to my 996. There you go Dennis, |