I was just wondering, how our S2K compare to the new/old NSX in handleling wise? I saw a couple of NSX on the h/w before..it look very stable at hight speed and very responsive.. same as our S2K

 

Apples & oranges, my friend, don't you think?

 

Does this mean differences in handling characteristics are huge because these are very different cars? If so, how? I think YoungS2K asked a reasonable question.

 

I don't know about what you guys think, but as for me 50/50 weight distribution on the S2K is pretty darn good for me. Not many cars can qualify for that. The only other one that come to mind is the 93+ Mazda RX-7. I know there are couple more cars the got 50/50 also.

 

Well, here are my two cents (maybe three) The NSX is obviously an MR car...mid engine/rear wheel drive. It's a good 400 pounds heavier. They do have a little more power (280 hp, the last I recall), but that is a little bit offset by the additional weight the NSX carries. Also, the car is more of a luxury sports car, in that it's very nicely appointed inside the cabin. The driver is a somewhat isolated from the road, due to Honda's desire to make the car something of a fast luxury sports car...and they succeeded marvelously, indeed....I love the NSX!

I fell in love with the NSX when it came out and that is the same today. VTEC engagement isn't as dramatic as it is in the S2000 and you generally feel less of the road/track as you do in the S2000, too.

Yes, it's a different car, but the comparison is a valid one. Mainly because they are both Hondas and also because most of both cars are owned and driven by enthusiasts.

Much of the track time this year has been in concert with the NSX group. And while most of the ones that show up are far from stock, I would say that in the straights, the NSX is a faster car. But the nimbleness of the S2000 and the more equitable f/r balance of the car makes for better turn in and out. I can take them coming in and out of turns, but the additional power, mostly because of their mods, they would take me in the straights.

I think the S2000 is a more balanced car than the NSX. This is just a law of physics, really. And the overall driving experience of the NSX is one that is an outstanding balls to the wall great time, many NSX owners tell me they are more excited about driving the S2000. In comparison, the S2000 is a raw beast of a machine and that's what many of the NSX owners I have met and known tell me. Ask around, you will see that many S2000 owners also own NSX's.

Different cars? Oh yea. But a worthwhile question nonetheless...



hth

 

I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I'd like to see a head-to-head matchup between the two. While, at face value, one would assume that the NSX at $50+K more would stand head and shoulders above the stook; however, I would expect handling to be comparable, and the NSX at 11.03 lbs./HP vs. the S2K at 11.66 lbs./HP are not that far apart. I'm sorry I didn't do this analysis before quickly typing my first reply.

(The above calculations are based on NSX@3200 lbs. & 290 HP and S2K@2800 lbs. & 240HP.) Of course, that old buggaboo torque would have to be taken into account also. Bang for the buckwise, the stook obviously beats the NSX. Now I'm sure I've p-o'd the NSX crowd that surfs here.

Can you say mea culpa?

 

With amateurs on the track they are not that far apart. Equal drivers can take advantage of the power the NSX has, but the S2K gives them a very good run.

We ran with NSX

 

Like, Greg said the additional weight and size of the NSX makes it a little less nimble over-all.

As for straight line accelleration, put any NSX in the hands of someone who can't drive and they will do better then in the s2k because it has more low end torque and is easier to launch. (No need for high rpm drops and will not easilly bog.)

A distinction has to be made though: Pre-1997 NSXs have 270 HP and 5 speeds, while 97 and on they have 290 and 6 speeds. The wheels are the best way to distinguish between the two models.

The pre 1997 is a very close straight line racer to the s2k with slight advantage to the NSX at higher speeds (80 mph+). 1997 + you are looking at a low 13s car, it is in C5 and LS1 terretory.

Thank you,

 

Don't forget that pre 95 is a coupe and 95+ is a targa. The coupe is much stiffer, and is more of a true sports car. The NSX T however has more flex and does not feel as tight. If I were to buy one, I would opt to save some big dollars by buying a 94 or older and then spending some money with RM Racing to make up for the HP difference. Headers, Exhaust, NOS, Gears, all these mods and more make a huge difference on the NSX. Not much of a NOS fan, Comptech as we all know offers a supercharger. Big $$ though.

 

have not driven a late model nsx, but did when they first came out... my impression then was that it was a tighter suspension than ours (felt more of the road- maybe too much for a street car), but do not recall that they handled that much better. the stook seems to be a great compromise- the ride is not uncomfortable and the handling superb! just my two pennies worth...