what does a used NSX go for these days anyway? i might want to pick one up.

 

I'm not sure where you guys got your weights from, but according to official Porsche weights the '02 996 (Mk 2) is only 55 lbs heavier than the 3.4l Mk 1 (1,320 kg vs. 1,345 kg).

I've driven several examples (Mk 1's & Mk 2's) back to back and by the seat of my pants there is a big difference in acceleration (my opinion). The difference feels bigger than "just" 20 hp due to the Variocam plus system. The 3.6 not only has more hp and more torque than the 3.4, it's torque peak comes significantly sooner. Power "under the curve" matters and the 3.6 has "more" everywhere.

On top of the power, the '02 has a chassis that is 20% stiffer, has improved oiling, improved cooling, reduced front and rear lift, a revised exhaust and a host of interior improvements.

I will agree to disagree with your assessment.

 

91-94: Upper $20k's - mid $30k's for a clean one with low mileage. Prices are according to years. Upper 20's will get you a nice 91 where mid 30's will get you a nice 94. Pretty much the same car within those years. Biggest change is the rims (15/16 inch combo to a 16/17 size)
Advantages to a 91-94 are that they are light and they all have hardtops for us racers.

95-96: Mid to lower $40k's. Targa tops added which are heavier due to added bracing.

97-01: upper $40's to mid $50's. 97 introduced the 3.2 liter as opposed to the 3.0 in the older ones. This yielded 290 HP as opposed to 270 in the earlier ones. Another huge addition is the 6-speed tranny. This helped accelleration ALOT since the older 5-speeds had very tall gears.
3.2/6-speeds run in the very low 13's 1/4 mile while the older ones ran high 13's.

02-05: $55k and up, Completely redigned front end (no more popup headlights), new tailights, rear valence.

There are more little changes but I just noted the bigger ones


Thanks everyone, I got alot of great feedback and didn't get flamed for being new. I guess that comes with being around a more "refined" car crowd
Keep the input coming.

 

I used to own a 94 Twin Turbo Supra (lots of mods) and now own a 99 C2. The biggest difference is the power of the Supra in a straight line when the turbos kicked in. I had a lot of fun launching it. The downside was that it wasn't too nimble. The 996 is easy to drive and crushes the Supra in handling. Overall, I prefer the 996.

I have never driven an NSX, but if you say it lacks power, I'd sell the NSX and keep the Supra. That way you'll have the best of both worlds.

Hope this helps.

Vince.

 

I sold my 97' SupraTT to Single Turbo (430WHP) for $36K to pay for my 99' 996C2. The cars are entirely different in the way the 996 feels like a purpose built sports car vs. a sporty Toyota. The 996 also launches much quicker from a stop light, so that with it's nimbleness makes it hands down a better daily driver over the Supra. (of course it doesn't have the power for drag racing) There's also not too many performance mods for the 996, so if you're into that stuff you may get a bit bored like I have.

I've driven the nsx tons of times and aside from the better torque of the 996, I think they drive fairly similar. Therefore if you're going to sell a car, you might want to consider selling the nsx instead of the Supra since it's more similar to the 996, and also easier to find if you ever want to buy another one.

 

I agree. I drove a 99, there is a big difference. I also perfer the look.

 

you will have to get used to the rear end bias of the 996. i had a boxster that i felt was a very nimble car then went to the 996. the mid engined layout will allow you to carry more speed though a corner and feels a lot more tossable whereas the 996's heavier *** dictates the classic "slow in fast out". the 996 rear weight bias allows you to put the power down earlier and harder.

 

I still love my NSX so I decided I'd keep it forever. Still sits in my garage, beautifully. With 13,000+ on the odometer, it's like new. I love my 2002 C4S but will never be able to give up my NSX. I've always been in love with it. Keep it and get a 911 if you can. They are completely different cars. The execution of design dictates that. Completely different feel. It's really arguable which is the better everyday car. The 911 definitely has an advantage with the additional seats, but the NSX does feel like another Honda product until you reach for more speed. I love both cars and will hopefully continue to have both in my garage.

 

Get rid of the NSX and keep the Supra. The NSX is definitely lacking in power for its original price point IMO. The Supra is an awesome car with an unbeatable engine, you won't find anything else like it. The resale value is awesome and keeps going up every year.

If you want a new lifestyle get the Porsche, thats what its all about. Buying a Porsche buys you a new lifestyle. Sounds kinda arrogant doesn't it? But its true, same goes with F-Cars. There isn't anything out there like the 911, the style and layout. It is a very historical sports car and has kept to the same design virtues as the originals. This is one reason why they have such great resale value.

 

Another thing I've noticed is the aftermarket support. I know the Supra has huge aftermarket support due to it's unlimited potential but I've been told by a few people that the C2 isn't that supported. ..that there isn't much I could do to it if I got bored with it. Is this true? I can already tell it's not as backed as the turbo model Porsches. The NSX is well supported too but I don't know how it compares to a 996 C2. Any input appreciated.

 

Depends what you want to get out of the 911? What is your goal with it? I would say there is much more support for it in regards to Bodykits, Wheels, Suspension, Interior Upgrades, etc. As far as performance you can get Turbokits, Superchargers, Air Intake, Exhaust, etc. I think the maximum realistic power that you can get from a stock 911 is about 450HP. I would say it has much more support than the NSX, but not compared to the Supra. Like I said, keep the Supra for the fast car and get the 911 to Pimp.

 

Excellent analysis, thanks for the info!

 

I know I'm reviving an older thread but I'm just looking for more input on this topic. I often see people mentioning maintenence on a 996 may be more expensive..things like oil changes so I researched it. I see the dealers charge a little more for oil changes due to the fact that the 996 uses much more oil plus the dealer only uses Mobil 1 synthetic oil but for the DIY person like me, I can't seem to find if it's an easy job or not. I haven't been able to locate a DIY on it.

 

an oil change is extremely easy to do. it's a 2/10 as far as difficulty.

do a search on renntech.org for a diy.