C5 or NSX?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
I do love the NSX, as there are a hand full of cars I would love to own some day. But one of the big selling points on the Corvette was parts cost/availability. I know from others how reliable the Corvette is and most if the work it needs I can manage myself.
Plus the NSX really lacks in the overall looks. I have the same issue with the GT-R. Great car both on paper and to drive, but the looks don't do it for me. My car is a sexy bitch.
Plus the NSX really lacks in the overall looks. I have the same issue with the GT-R. Great car both on paper and to drive, but the looks don't do it for me. My car is a sexy bitch.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
All valid points here. However, say I spend double or close to triple the money on an NSX, depending on year etc. Then I'm driving and pull up next to a Vette at a light, and he whips my a$$ over and over, everyone around sees. IMO, I would just feel like a loser, but to each their own! Dont get me wrong I know the MR cars handle great, but I just wouldn't want that to happen.
Went to an Auto Show recently, and sat in a Subaru BRZ. They look amazing, no doubt. Some gentleman there was trying to tell me how fast it was, etc. I laughed. Kind of reminds me of the same thing. No I'm not comparing an NSX to a BRZ, for the record. Just that both look great, but differ in speed.
Bottom line, get what makes you happy! That way you won't have any regrets in the end.
Went to an Auto Show recently, and sat in a Subaru BRZ. They look amazing, no doubt. Some gentleman there was trying to tell me how fast it was, etc. I laughed. Kind of reminds me of the same thing. No I'm not comparing an NSX to a BRZ, for the record. Just that both look great, but differ in speed.
Bottom line, get what makes you happy! That way you won't have any regrets in the end.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 809
Likes: 7
From: greer/upstate sc
Personally I would get the NSX its a rare car for sure..especially if you plan on just driving it occasionally or weekend car...corvettes are a dime a dozen,but they do hold their value really well..
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 511
Likes: 12
From: Parkville Maryland
There is more to a car then just overall grip level and straightline acceleration. The corvette has that in spades, no doubt. It's what you find at the limit that interests me 
There is something intangible about the NSX and the way it drives, at least those are my thoughts. I think it looks great to but, to each their own
If I bought what I wanted, I would have both
What really peaked my interest in this car is the Triumph 675 that I used to have. It wasn't the most powerful bike on the planet but the handeling was absolutely nuts. It's the thinnest bike of the bunch and turn in was so responsive, people called it unstable. After riding this thing for a couple of years, every other bike felt like a tranquilized pig by comparison! Have yet to step on a liter bike.
There is something intangible about the NSX and the way it drives, at least those are my thoughts. I think it looks great to but, to each their own
If I bought what I wanted, I would have both
What really peaked my interest in this car is the Triumph 675 that I used to have. It wasn't the most powerful bike on the planet but the handeling was absolutely nuts. It's the thinnest bike of the bunch and turn in was so responsive, people called it unstable. After riding this thing for a couple of years, every other bike felt like a tranquilized pig by comparison! Have yet to step on a liter bike.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
I looked at some NSX before I bought my 03 Z06 and the two NSX cars that I drove I was impressed with the power but the dated 90's interior really was a instant turn off for me. and once I got to researching cost to own, again I was pushed away from the thoughts I was having, granted I could of done a lot of the work my self, but even finding common parts seem to be a issue with that car, no thanks, enter my Z06 and I am happy..easy to work on and great interior I think, it runs and sounds amazing, and I am pretty confident that I could own a NSX at the track!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 511
Likes: 12
From: Parkville Maryland
Why the NSX? I dont know, it just speaks to me 
I think the C5 screams 90s interior too but I honestly enjoy it a bit more then the newer cars. I really like the analog feel. Nothing a nice head unit, amp and some speakers wouldnt fix.
If all you were worried about is the dominant car, why aren't you driving a Radical or something?
I think the C5 screams 90s interior too but I honestly enjoy it a bit more then the newer cars. I really like the analog feel. Nothing a nice head unit, amp and some speakers wouldnt fix.
If all you were worried about is the dominant car, why aren't you driving a Radical or something?
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,736
Likes: 1,210
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
I've always liked the NSX, but never having a Corvette till a year ago I went with the mass produced Chevrolet.
Although a yellow NSX in the garage might look real nice!!
Although a yellow NSX in the garage might look real nice!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
The NSX is nice but I would have to drop mucho dinero to personalize it the way I want. The vette will always be a bargain. On another note, alternative to a corvette I've considered the Lexus IS-F. It also has potential as a future collectable.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Why the NSX? I dont know, it just speaks to me
I think the C5 screams 90s interior too but I honestly enjoy it a bit more then the newer cars. I really like the analog feel. Nothing a nice head unit, amp and some speakers wouldnt fix.
If all you were worried about is the dominant car, why aren't you driving a Radical or something?
I think the C5 screams 90s interior too but I honestly enjoy it a bit more then the newer cars. I really like the analog feel. Nothing a nice head unit, amp and some speakers wouldnt fix.
If all you were worried about is the dominant car, why aren't you driving a Radical or something?
For the price range, as stated many times on here, a Corvette is the dominant car. An STI can be CLOSE, however still averages $5,500 more expensive with the same mileage, versus a Vette. So what beats a Vette in the $17,000 - $20,000 price range? I guess that's my question. To answer yours, this is the best I can afford for the money. Who wouldn't have one of those if they could afford it??
Looked at the price of Viper's, and they are very similar to those of the NSX - If not cheaper for the same mileage. One even said 1 of 116 cars, pretty rare if that's what you're after. And don't get me wrong, I love all these cars. I saw one NSX on the road before, and it stood out for sure, as much if not more than a Viper, or Porsche, etc. I guess the point I'm trying to make is, if I were going to spend 30K + on a used car, to me I'd prefer it be a little quicker, that's all. Other than that, you are correct, money isn't an issue I'd have the Vette, NSX, AND Viper!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 511
Likes: 12
From: Parkville Maryland
http://www.radicaleastusa.com/
Radical may not be the best example but what I was trying to say is that you can go faster for cheaper. Rx-7 ls conversion, for example.
I just wanted to gather people's thoughts on the subject. The NSX is a little more and appreciating in value so it isn't really the greatest bang for the buck...
Radical may not be the best example but what I was trying to say is that you can go faster for cheaper. Rx-7 ls conversion, for example.
I just wanted to gather people's thoughts on the subject. The NSX is a little more and appreciating in value so it isn't really the greatest bang for the buck...
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 429
From: Houston TX
No.
http://www.radicalsportscars.com/uk/
For $30k, you can get a lot of car. There is no denying the C5 is a great performance value in the 15-20k range but going to 30k changes things a lot. For $30k you are very close to getting into an e9x m3, 997 porsche and a bunch of other cars I would gladly choose over a C5.
http://www.radicalsportscars.com/uk/
For $30k, you can get a lot of car. There is no denying the C5 is a great performance value in the 15-20k range but going to 30k changes things a lot. For $30k you are very close to getting into an e9x m3, 997 porsche and a bunch of other cars I would gladly choose over a C5.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceburg KY
Cayman S is probably the best alternative to the NSX right now if you're wanting to actually drive the car as opposed to just have it as a collector's item. Similar weight, power, performance, M-R platform feel, and pricing with much more up to date technology and significantly better community and parts/service availability.
Radical is neat but it's not really a street car even if some of them are street legal.
Radical is neat but it's not really a street car even if some of them are street legal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 8
From: Denton Texas
but in the end the z06 is for me. Drive both and see what you like more.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
Cayman S is probably the best alternative to the NSX right now if you're wanting to actually drive the car as opposed to just have it as a collector's item. Similar weight, power, performance, M-R platform feel, and pricing with much more up to date technology and significantly better community and parts/service availability.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: joshua tree ca
I've never driven the NSX and I'm sure it is an amazing car. But for me a Corvette is much more than just a car that looks, drives and performs well, it's like comparing a Harley to a Honda. The Honda will out perform the Hog in every way but the Harley is much more than just a motorcycle. My Corvette is special and so is my Harley. Ummm why not have both? I have a Kawasaki in my garage and it's s hoot! If I were to get a second supercar, I would like to build a Cobra.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
A usable NSX starts about $30k. An early year usable C5 less than half that. Don't get me wrong, I think NSX's are great, but I do not want to deal with timing belt changes, etc.,on a mid engined car. Someone commented on rear tire wear - that was worse on the early NSX's which ran a lot of rear toe in to 'tweak" the handling. I think might even have been a law suit as the rear OEM tires were also $$$$, and I think they reduced the toe to something more reasonable on later years. Somewhere in my archives i have roadtests of various years.
