370 Nismo vs. NSX

retiredmd

When the NSX appeared in the US as a 1991 model, what cars were superior in performance? Not the Ferrari 328/348 (it wasn't until the 355 models did Ferrari equal or surpass the NSX). Not the 911 Turbo. I had a 1988 911 Turbo Targa and was about to purchase a new 1991 Turbo when I test-drove the NSX. No comparison there. The Corvette ZR-1? I had a 1991 verrsion-for all of 4 weeks. While some of these cars had good top-ends and quick 1/4 mile times, the overall performance was inferior. And, it was junk. The Viper did not appear until the 1992 model year and was not in full production until 1993. Oh, and I had a 1994 RT/10. While significantly faster than the NSX, its steering/handling/refinement were inferior. It, too, was junk. And what of Lotus? I had a 1995 Espirit S4S. While that car offered excellent performance, steering and handling, the fit/finish/qualiy/reliability/maintenance were terrible.
The cost of the NSX in 1991-1992 was comparable to cars with inferior perforrmance, vastly inferior handling/refinement/fit and finish and were far more costly to maintain. How can anyone possible believe the NSX was overpriced?
As to the handling, refer to my easrlier post. One cannot compare the NSX track times with the 370 unless similar quality wheels/tires are used. The NSX (as with all mid-engine vehicles) was extraordinarily responsive to improved rolling stock. When so equipped, the 3.2L, 6 speed NSX Coupes will be faster around road/race courses than a stock 370. How do I know? Perhaps because I have almost 50 years in the hobby, holding NHRA (National Competition/Super Street) and SCCA (National Competition) licenses before most on this Board were born.

I often found the harshest criticism of the NSX was offered by people who never sat in-let alone never drove-the car. The best example of just how good and advanced the NSXs were was evident by the responses of both Porsche and Ferrari in bringing forward new models far sooner than was their norm.