Old Honda NSX vs New Acura NSX Performance and Design Showdown

The Honda NSX, introduced in the 1990s, set a new benchmark for supercars by combining exhilarating performance with unmatched reliability. Its engineering advancements included a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and a 7% improvement in power-to-weight ratio. These innovations allowed it to achieve 0–60 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars tested in North America at the time.

Fast forward to today, the Acura NSX redefines modern performance with its hybrid powertrain and groundbreaking design. It employs a multi-material space frame for lightweight strength and integrates a Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This advanced setup enhances torque distribution, ensuring precise handling and seamless transitions during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Both models represent milestones in automotive history, but how do they truly compare? The Honda NSX vs Acura NSX: Old vs New Comparison reveals the evolution of performance, design, and legacy in these iconic vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• The first Honda NSX changed supercars with its reliable and easy use.

• The new Acura NSX has a hybrid engine for fast speed, going 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds.

• Both NSX cars handle well, but the Acura NSX uses new tech for better turns and balance.

• The design of the Acura NSX looks modern but still respects the original Honda NSX style.

• Buying a cared-for Honda NSX can be smart since its value has grown a lot over time.

Honda NSX vs Acura NSX: Old vs New Comparison

Powertrain and Acceleration

The powertrain is one of the most striking areas where the Honda NSX vs Acura NSX showcases its evolution. The original Honda NSX, introduced in the 1990s, featured a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds. Later models upgraded to a 3.2-liter engine, slightly boosting performance.

In contrast, the new Acura NSX takes a technological leap forward with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with three electric motors. This hybrid powertrain delivers a combined output of 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. The addition of electric motors not only enhances acceleration but also improves efficiency and responsiveness. These key differences highlight how the Acura NSX redefines performance for the modern era.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The Honda NSX vs Acura NSX comparison extends beyond raw power to include handling and driving dynamics. The first-generation Honda NSX earned its reputation for exceptional balance and agility, thanks to its all-aluminum monocoque chassis and independent double-wishbone suspension. Its rear-mid engine layout provided near-perfect weight distribution, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

The new Acura NSX builds on this legacy with advanced technology. Its Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system uses torque vectoring to enhance cornering precision and stability. While the second-generation NSX is heavier due to its hybrid components, its all-wheel-drive system compensates by delivering superior grip and control, especially in challenging conditions. These advancements ensure that the Acura NSX offers a more refined and confident driving experience.

Everyday Usability

One of the key differences between the Honda NSX and Acura NSX lies in their everyday usability. The original Honda NSX was celebrated for its dual nature as a high-performance supercar and a comfortable daily driver. Its spacious cabin, excellent visibility, and reliable engineering made it a practical choice for enthusiasts who wanted a supercar they could drive every day.

The new Acura NSX continues this tradition while incorporating modern conveniences. Its hybrid powertrain not only enhances performance but also improves fuel efficiency, making it more suitable for daily use. Advanced features like a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission and customizable driving modes further enhance its versatility. Whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through mountain roads, the Acura NSX delivers a seamless blend of comfort and performance.

Honda NSX vs Acura NSX: Design Evolution

Exterior Styling

The Honda NSX, introduced over 30 years ago, set a benchmark for supercar aesthetics. Its low, wide stance and teardrop-shaped cabin emphasized visibility and aerodynamics. The clean lines and pop-up headlights gave it a timeless appeal, making it an iconic mid-engine sports car. This design philosophy prioritized simplicity and elegance, reflecting the engineering precision of Honda.

In contrast, the Acura NSX embraces a more aggressive and modern design language. The sharp angles, large mesh grilles, and intricate details highlight its focus on aerodynamics and hybrid technology. The transition from a transverse-mounted V6 to a bespoke twin-turbocharged engine required significant changes to the car’s structure, impacting its cooling systems and overall proportions. The result is a sleek, angular exterior that balances heritage with contemporary trends. While the original NSX exuded understated sophistication, the new model commands attention with its bold and complex styling.

Interior Features

Both NSX models share a commitment to a driver-focused cockpit, but their approaches differ significantly. The Honda NSX featured a minimalist interior with premium materials, emphasizing functionality and comfort. Its spacious cabin and excellent visibility made it a practical choice for enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance without sacrificing usability.

The Acura NSX elevates this concept with modern luxury and customization options. You can choose from features like the Carbon Fiber Interior Sport Package, which includes a carbon fiber-covered meter visor and steering wheel garnish. The black Alcantara headliner adds a touch of sophistication, enhancing the cabin’s premium feel. Additionally, the build-to-order option allows you to personalize the interior and exterior to your preferences. These updates reflect Acura’s focus on blending performance with luxury, ensuring the new NSX meets the expectations of modern supercar enthusiasts.

The evolution of the NSX’s design, both inside and out, showcases Honda’s dedication to innovation. From the timeless elegance of the original to the cutting-edge aesthetics of the new model, the NSX remains an iconic symbol of engineering excellence and exhilarating performance.

NSX Market and Pricing

Original Pricing and Value Over Time

The original Honda NSX debuted in 1990 with a price tag of approximately £55,000. At the time, this positioned it as a more affordable alternative to European supercars like Ferrari and Porsche. Over the years, the NSX experienced depreciation, with prices dropping to the $30,000–$40,000 range by the late 2000s. However, its status as a collectible classic has reversed this trend. Today, well-maintained models command significantly higher prices, especially limited-production variants like the NSX Type R and NSX-R.

Note: The Hagerty Price Guide reveals that 1990–2005 NSX values now range from £40,100 for fair-condition coupés to over £100,000 for pristine examples. NSX-T targa models are valued between £35,000 and £88,000, while 3.2-liter versions can fetch up to £110,000 in excellent condition.

The appreciation of the Honda NSX reflects its enduring appeal. Its combination of reliability, performance, and timeless design has made it a sought-after classic among enthusiasts and collectors.

New NSX Pricing and Market Reception

The new Acura NSX entered the market with a base MSRP of $156,000, which can exceed $185,000 with options. While its hybrid powertrain and cutting-edge technology justify the price, some critics argue that it lacks the brand cachet of competitors like Ferrari or Lamborghini. This perception has impacted its market reception, with some buyers hesitant to invest in a car that doesn’t carry the same prestige as its European rivals.

Tip: The 2020 Acura NSX had a base MSRP of $157,500, but fully loaded models reached nearly $198,000. Despite its high price, the NSX offers performance comparable to other supercars in its class.

The pricing strategy for the Acura NSX reflects its positioning as a modern supercar with advanced features. However, its steep cost has sparked debates about its value proposition compared to the original Honda NSX. While the new model excels in performance and innovation, its market reception highlights the challenges of competing in a crowded supercar segment.

NSX Legacy and Impact

The Old Honda NSX’s Influence on the Supercar World

The first-generation NSX redefined what a supercar could be. Honda designed it to challenge European rivals like Ferrari, offering a mid-engine layout and an advanced aluminum chassis. This engineering marvel set new standards for reliability and drivability in the supercar market. Unlike its competitors, the Honda NSX combined exhilarating performance with everyday usability, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

The NSX’s influence extended beyond its technical achievements. Its introduction pressured competitors to improve their handling and ergonomics, reshaping the supercar landscape. Honda’s collaborative approach to engineering, involving its USA division, demonstrated how innovation could thrive through teamwork. Over its 15-year production run, Honda built 18,896 units, cementing the NSX as a pinnacle of Japanese supercar engineering.

Note: The closure of the Takanezawa plant in 2004 marked the end of an era for the NSX. Today, it stands as a ‘blue-chip’ Japanese sports car, alongside icons like the Toyota 2000GT and Skyline GT-R. Its rising auction values reflect its growing significance in the collector’s market.

The New Acura NSX’s Role in Modern Automotive Innovation

The second-generation NSX represents a bold leap into the future. Acura reimagined the NSX with a hybrid powertrain, blending a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with three electric motors. This innovative setup delivers 573 horsepower and redefines performance from a hybrid perspective. The Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system enhances cornering precision, showcasing Acura’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The new NSX also excels in design and engineering. Its multi-material space frame provides class-leading rigidity while remaining lightweight. Features like Ablation Casting Technology and Total Airflow Management optimize handling and aerodynamics. These advancements highlight how Acura has integrated modern innovation with timeless values.

The second-generation NSX embodies a ‘human-centered supercar’ philosophy. It balances high-performance engineering with everyday usability, proving that hybrid technology can elevate the driving experience. Acura’s focus on driver comfort and advanced features ensures the NSX remains relevant in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

The NSX’s evolution from the first generation to the second generation showcases Honda’s and Acura’s dedication to pushing boundaries. Whether from a performance standpoint or a design perspective, the NSX continues to inspire and influence the supercar world.

The Honda NSX and Acura NSX represent two distinct eras of automotive excellence. The first-generation Honda NSX, with its naturally aspirated V6 engine and lightweight aluminum chassis, delivered 270 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5 seconds. It redefined supercars by combining reliability with thrilling performance. In contrast, the second-generation Acura NSX showcases hybrid innovation, pairing a twin-turbo V6 with electric motors to produce 573 horsepower and achieve 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Its advanced aerodynamics and all-wheel-drive system ensure unmatched stability and precision.

The NSX’s legacy lies in its evolution from a purist’s supercar to a hybrid technological marvel. The Honda NSX influenced the supercar market by prioritizing usability and reliability, while the Acura NSX pushes boundaries with cutting-edge hybrid technology. If you value raw driving engagement and timeless design, the Honda NSX stands out. However, if innovation and modern performance excite you, the Acura NSX offers an unparalleled experience. Both models, in their unique ways, continue to inspire and shape the supercar world.