370 Nismo vs. NSX
 

I ran across an old friend that had purchased a 1992 nsx since the last time I had seen him and omg those things must have been the shiznits back in those days! If he would of caught me slip'n I might of been seeing tail lights. I didnt talk to him long so I dont know if he had any aftermarket stuff. I have HFC's and CAI. Are the older nsx usually that quick or do yall think he had some extra's. Either way it was good times.

well its about even.. 92 NSX 1/4 mile is high 13's - where the Z is more mid to low 13's .. hes got about 300-400lbs less then you but you got 60 hp more them him.. drivers race..

The Z would not be able to keep up on a track. NSX's were one of the best handling cars ever made. Even with its low hp, it took care of porsches and ferraris back in the day. I think stock older NSX's dyno about 240 so it would be very close in a straight line with its weight advantage.

I used to own an NA2 NSX (290hp engine). The car was pretty quick. I would say it is about as fast as my current Z. I would say it is a drivers race. Did you guys race each other and from what speeds?

I would expect the NSX to be slower in a straight line, but I think for a low torque car the NSX is a little easier to be aggressive in - feel like you have to really take the Z to redline for it to go quickly. Haven't driven the Z aggressively enough to say how curves would be, but it definitely doesn't feel as easy as an NSX in corners.

RE: NSX VS. Nismo
 

I previously owned, modified and tracked 3 NSXs and am the current owner of a 370Z Nismo.
On average, a stock first gen NSX (91-96, 270 HP, 5 speed) was typically capable of 13.7s @ 105-106 mph, while later generations (290 HP, 6 speed) were typically capable of 13.2s @ 107-108 mph.
From the standpoint of comparison, the Nismo is faster (in a straight line)than my stock 92 NSX and on a par with my later generation models.
From the standpoint of handling comparison between the cars, one must note that each generation of NSX demonstrated different handling characteristics. The first gen NSXs were purely Coupes; the 91-93 models had 15"/16" diameter wheels, the 94 had 16"/17" wheels. Overall, these NSXs were superior in steering/handling when compared to the Nismo. However, when these NSX owners replaced their rolling stock with 18"/19" wheels and latest tires, it greatly improved their capability.
The 95-96 NSXs were Targa only and suffered from terrible cowl and chassis flex. With the Targa roof off, I could not windshield mount my radar detector as it bounced around. Handling of these cars suffered as a result and was inferior in virtually all respects to the Nismo.
The 1997 and later NSX Targas received far better chassis reinforcement and were very good handling machines-better in most (but not all) aspects when compared to the Nismo.
The real handling/steering stars were the rare, special order 1997 and later Coupes-most especially the limited edition 1999 Zanardi and the post-2002 models. These cars, when equipped with the best tires were terrific machines in all respects.

First gen NSXs are about on par with a 350Z stock vs stock. 2nd gen NSXs are about on par with a 370Z stock vs stock with the 370Z having the edge. Handling is close between the two.

Awwhhhhh... The good ol days of the NSX!!!

The NSX was never a race car, the power is not there and it doesn't impress me for a suppossed "super car". On it days was way to pricey.

On the other hand on the twistys is a different story.

So what is your thought on Lotus vehicles?

Crazy how a 20 year old car (NSX) still competes with a modern true sports car(370z)

To me that NSX was not stock, it could be the driver too.

As far as the Lotus I have no comment since I don't know about the car other that is like a go-kart.

Well you have to remember they're mid engine so they have less drivetrain loss.. Plus we all know Nissan (sadly) over rates their HP ratings.. Plus the NSX is lighter.. You just never know though.

NSX does handle better.

It does handle better, but unless it has some mods in a straight line it will not make it.

But look at the specs for a supposed "super car":

252 HP SAE @ 6,600 rpm; 210 ft lb

Weight lb: 3152

Haha no.

If anything they underrate them. The US SAE closely regulates what manufacturers advertise for power figures, more often then not they are underrated. Never seen a Nissan that was overrated in power from the factory.

Not really. The 300ZX TT, Supra TT, RX7 TT, VR4, etc. are all competitive with the 370Z in terms of performance, but they all were priced significantly higher as well. Those cars would be well into high 60 low 70Ks if sold today. And FWIW a properly driven 370Z > NSX.