Honda NSX-R: Car of the year?
Discussion
Errmm.. really? 
Well, Evo seem to think so..
I suppose it's the only car in the lineup they haven't endowed with some accolade or other in the last year..
I like the look of the Nissan 350Z... heaven help me..
Looks like they stayed in the same house as we did in Anglesey when they were at the track though..
Well, Evo seem to think so..
I suppose it's the only car in the lineup they haven't endowed with some accolade or other in the last year..
I like the look of the Nissan 350Z... heaven help me..
Looks like they stayed in the same house as we did in Anglesey when they were at the track though..
hew: 
Hmmm. Didn't realise they did special cars for women, I'd just gone through life buying the car I wanted. Oops!
308gt4 said: NSX ....no!
blatant 308GTB ripoff softened for the pussies that can't drive and better build quality for people that can't fix trim that falls apart
Guess you won't be reading my forthcoming NSX report then. No, not the NSX-R but the one you can actually buy.
Softened for pussies that can't drive? Ah, so that's why they had Ayrton Senna help them develop the suspension then...
grahambell said:
308gt4 said: NSX ....no!
blatant 308GTB ripoff softened for the pussies that can't drive and better build quality for people that can't fix trim that falls apart
Guess you won't be reading my forthcoming NSX report then. No, not the NSX-R but the one you can actually buy.
Softened for pussies that can't drive? Ah, so that's why they had Ayrton Senna help them develop the suspension then...
Says it all, really. Well said.
Well having driven several standard NSX's I'd say it's certainly not unthinkable that a well driven type-r could embarass most things.
Perhaps it's EVO making a statement about badge snobbery etc (I personally doubt it).
Still it's a testament to Honda engineering that a car developed 10 years ago to put the frighteners on the Ferrari 348 and Porsche 964 is still challenging all comers.
>> Edited by mr_tony on Monday 9th December 11:30
Perhaps it's EVO making a statement about badge snobbery etc (I personally doubt it).
Still it's a testament to Honda engineering that a car developed 10 years ago to put the frighteners on the Ferrari 348 and Porsche 964 is still challenging all comers.
>> Edited by mr_tony on Monday 9th December 11:30
A NSX has been on my list of cars I want for a long time now. Each time I've bought, though, there's always been a reason not to get it (wanted a 4 seater, wanted an Elise, couldn't afford one, etc.) but that doesn't stop it being a very desireable car.
I'd rather turn the question around, and ask what it is about the 308 that places it so far ahead of the Honda.
I'd rather turn the question around, and ask what it is about the 308 that places it so far ahead of the Honda.
308gt4 said: NSX ....no!
blatant 308GTB ripoff softened for the pussies that can't drive and better build quality for people that can't fix trim that falls apart
a womans car if ever there was one.
Car of the year :
Maserati soft top
Err, I suppose you've driven the only NSX-R in the country then to form this eloquently voiced opinion?
By the sounds of it, it's a stunning driver's car, but I have to agree with CarZee that as it's the only one available in the country does it qualify? As there's a limited amount *supposed* to be imported in the forthcoming months, fair enough.
I think there's an issue of "European snobbery" over jap sports cars which is based on their historical traits of 'ripping off' european cars. Indeed the NSX started like this, but has obviously evolved into something far better.
I think this type of evolution is healthy and if the European manufacturers can learn a trick or two then so much the better.
Captain Muppet said: Didn't the 308GTB lose to the mk1 MR2 in the Autocar handling test in 1989? The NSX must be really shabby if it's a poor 308 ripoff.
Dunno about the magazine article you're on about, but 308's are generally well known for being beautiful handling machines, that's one of their strongest points (bit lacking in pure out-and-out power now-a-days, being almost 30 years old now (255bhp))
NSXs seem to have stopped depreciating at a very high price. I'd probably not ever want to buy more than three years old or 60,00 miles but, on autotrader now, that'll still cost about 40,00 pounds. There's a '91 on there at 20k.
Desireable though they are, it must be hard to plump for one if you have 40k to spend, and are choosing what you want.
Desireable though they are, it must be hard to plump for one if you have 40k to spend, and are choosing what you want.
nevpugh308 said:...308's are generally well known for being beautiful handling machines, that's one of their strongest points (bit lacking in pure out-and-out power now-a-days, being almost 30 years old now (255bhp))
Absolutely; but the NSX was a rival for the 348 at it's launch and after post Senna honing, must surely be pretty special?
I was blown away by an F328 round a circuit; ok, brakes were terrible but I actually found the combo of banshee wail from behind me heed and surprising lick most intoxicating, even by many modern standards.
As you say though, the handling was just sublime. It rolled quite a bit but just felt so 'right.' Ferrari chassis magic I guess.
Smifffy's bang on about anti-Jap snobbery; in 91 detractors called it a 'Ferrari facsimilie.' Er, and?
The NSX was, is and deserves to remain, a minor classic.
I thought the old one was pretty good - I got to drive one in anger 2.5 years ago through the mountains of Santa Barbara. I was at a conference & one of my colleagues snuck in late, dangled some keys under my nose & said "wanna play hookey?"
Obviously the answer was yes - we spent the next few hours taking turns at driving his NSX at high speed along the windy mountain roads.
Top car!
Obviously the speed limits were ludicrous - each corner seemed to have speed limits of 15 or 25MPH, when really what they meant "3rd gear left, opens" 
Obviously the answer was yes - we spent the next few hours taking turns at driving his NSX at high speed along the windy mountain roads.
Top car! Obviously the speed limits were ludicrous - each corner seemed to have speed limits of 15 or 25MPH, when really what they meant "3rd gear left, opens"
I read the article and thought it was fair enough that it won..the next contender was the C4S a fine car but Porsche Turbo bodies with standard Carerra engines in them are hardly EVO.They couldn't have that win as the 996TT would make it & EVO mag look silly.I beleive Turbo walked away with this title in a previous year when it was eligible.
So NSX R wins by default for being a stripped out honed Evo type car.I beleive Top Gear tv prog recently stated that Honda sold 7 NSX in the UK last year.Does this win mean the publicity will entice Honda to bring it into the UK where they may even reach double figures on sales this time as it is that good.
So NSX R wins by default for being a stripped out honed Evo type car.I beleive Top Gear tv prog recently stated that Honda sold 7 NSX in the UK last year.Does this win mean the publicity will entice Honda to bring it into the UK where they may even reach double figures on sales this time as it is that good.
nevpugh308 said:
Captain Muppet said: Didn't the 308GTB lose to the mk1 MR2 in the Autocar handling test in 1989? The NSX must be really shabby if it's a poor 308 ripoff.
Dunno about the magazine article you're on about, but 308's are generally well known for being beautiful handling machines, that's one of their strongest points (bit lacking in pure out-and-out power now-a-days, being almost 30 years old now (255bhp))
I'm not saying they don't handle - Autocar just said the MR2 was better (in their handling test - ignoring the fact that the MR2 is slow and ugly). Not having driven a 308 I really couldn't comment, but mk1 MR2s really are amazing on the limit.
Captain Muppet said:
nevpugh308 said:
Captain Muppet said: Didn't the 308GTB lose to the mk1 MR2 in the Autocar handling test in 1989? The NSX must be really shabby if it's a poor 308 ripoff.
Dunno about the magazine article you're on about, but 308's are generally well known for being beautiful handling machines, that's one of their strongest points (bit lacking in pure out-and-out power now-a-days, being almost 30 years old now (255bhp))
I'm not saying they don't handle - Autocar just said the MR2 was better (in their handling test - ignoring the fact that the MR2 is slow and ugly). Not having driven a 308 I really couldn't comment, but mk1 MR2s really are amazing on the limit.
I think you are right Capt Muppet- ive got the Mag around somewhere, its the same year they said the Skoda rapide was one of the most fun cars of the year
Certainly agree Mk1 MR2s are great fun, havent driven on in years but remember having a great blast in one. Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff