Guys, I am trying to decide between cars for my next car. I am replacing an evo8 and am looking to get into something a little nicer. I am looking at the NA1 nsx as its in my price range. I love the exotic look at the nsx but at the same time the nsx is an older car compared to a 99+ C2 Carrera or E46 m3. If anyone has driven, owned, or had experiences with these cars in comparison to the NSX that would be very helpful. I am leaning toward the carrera or the nsx, because the m3 is just way too common. I want to take the car maybe a 6 times a year to the track and have this car as a daily driver. Are there any concerns for the 996 carrera c2 mechanically, reliability, etc.?

 

Check out this post

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...threadid=27597

A good friend owns a 95nsx and we've raced many times.

 

NSX has no torque and is slower all the way around than 996. Corner is trickier than 911 too. NSX eats tires like crazy, esp the earlier models which has camber that are costly to change.

M3's power plant is not as robust either. SMG is a advantage over tip though which will level out the speed race. 6 spd vs 6 spd, 996 wins in performance. 996 also has more presence, w/ 02+ having better interior quality.

Which is best value? M3
Which is most practical? M3
Which is best performance? 996
Which is most reliable? M3 ties w NSX (996 not far off either if well treated)
Which is most expensive? 996

Performance always win.

 

My choices in order.
1) E46
2) 996
3) NSX

By the way, the M3 is faster than a 99 C2 for sure.

 

Personal experience speaking....

I had a 1995 NSX-T (Formula Red), and now have a 1999 Carrera Cab (Guards Red). My impressions:

NSX - handles like it's on rails, due to the mid-engine design. Great looks, definitely not seen everyday. Not very expensive to insure (on a relative basis), but super expensive to repair body damage. Absolutely bullet proof construction - probably the most reliable supercar out there. Design is now 14 years old with very little change - headlights, 6 speed, bump in displacement, but still only 290 hp (270 for the older ones). Best ergonomics of any sports car I've owned. Can be serviced by most Acura dealers, but you want to find an NSX-experienced tech for sure - a little harder to do. Cache that comes with owning something rare.

996 - my aspirational car. I loved my NSX, and it was an awesome driver's car, but I grew up dreaming about a 911, sketching it in class, pretending my crappy Subaru hatchback was a 911 around corners (and into the curb, usually). Steering takes a little getting used to - it definitely felt very "light" to me initially. Some of the build issues are questionable at the very least (RMS, coolant tank). So far I've had good luck, but I know it will probably cost more over time to maintain the Porsche than the NSX. Options list on a 911 is ridiculous and expensive, so finding a pre-owned with the right combination of options might be a little harder for you. I also see 25 996s every day around Dallas. You could probably get a decent deal on one now that the 997 is out.

My advice - drive both if you can, and decide what appeals to you the most. I love them both, and now that I've "attained" my dream car, I would have zero problem going back to an NSX in the future. Really, I wish I would have kept my NSX and bought the 996, but there's only one "toy money pot" in my house. BTW, the NSX is my wife's all time favorite car, so it was an easy choice for me at the time (permission was quickly granted). Make sure you get what you want - you can always try the other later in life like I did.

BTW - when you ask this question on a Porsche forum, you will get an overwhelming response to go with the 996. Ask the same question on NSXPrime.com (another great forum), and you can figure out what the response will be there.

Good luck!

Todd

 

already asked it on NSXPRIME.com