Acura NSX NA2 vs Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06

[NSXGMS]

Actually, thats not true. The Z06 is only cheap in terms of initial cost.
When you factor is how much Z06 tires cost compared to NSX tires, when you factor in depreciation/mile, the Z06 is not cheap.

I would rather buy a $90,000 NSX that I can sell for $70,000 3 years later then a $70,000 Z06 that I can only sell for $29,000 3 years later.

You are 100% correct in terms of value but that wasn't the point made. Performance to price is the issue and the Z06 does have no equal. It outperforms everything under $200K and then some--with an FR layout. The performance one gets for ~75K is extraordinary. All the other cars in it's performance class are even more expensive to operate and depreciate even faster.

I would also venture to guess the Z06 probably will have better overall reliability than both the F430 and Gallardo.

Of course I'd love to be able to mention a S/C NSX-R but that was never made available from Honda.

 

[ChopsJazz]

I think a lot of people are basing their opinions on previous generation Vettes, rather than looking solely at the merits (or lack thereof) on the existing generation.

Why wouldn't you base your judgment on past performance? Every Vette I've ever been in through the years has been a plastic rattle-trap. Every one of them! Why would this one be any different?

Ken,
Is that one word or two? :tongue: :wink:

Thanks for noticing! :wink:

 

[AndyNSX]

If you're really not sure which car to buy, you can first do a lot of research on the Corvette forums for the Z06, and NSXprime for this car.

Then make sure you test drive both cars, and try to drive samples with at least 10-20k miles on them.

Ask yourself what's important to you:

Straightline speed?
Do you want to go to the dragstrip a lot?
Cornerning Ability?
Image of the car?
Reliability?
Cost of repairs?
Resale?
Driving feel?

After you've done that, you should have a better idea of which car you'll want. Both cars will provide different people with the experience that they are looking for.

 

[ShiftyBob]

I've heard of varios Z06 fires due tho the exhaust heating up the rear bumper, which in turn catches fire and destroys the car. Don't know if this problem has been rectified or not. My father-in-law has an Black 06' and when he moved to Wisconsin last year he quickly realized that in the winter months he couldn't even make it in and out of his driveway. He offered me the car for $40k and it was only 6 mos old. I politely declined. Pound-for-pound the best bang for your buck. Nice car. Too bad it's GM... :frown:

 

[willabeest]

I've heard of varios Z06 fires due tho the exhaust heating up the rear bumper, which in turn catches fire and destroys the car. Don't know if this problem has been rectified or not. My father-in-law has an Black 06' and when he moved to Wisconsin last year he quickly realized that in the winter months he couldn't even make it in and out of his driveway. He offered me the car for $40k and it was only 6 mos old. I politely declined. Pound-for-pound the best bang for your buck. Nice car. Too bad it's GM... :frown:

consumer reports gives the corvette their worst mark for reliability.
who wants an unreliable car?
not i.

 

[Synthesis]

Well they did have the problem of the roof de-laminating....I believe they have taken care of that issue. Read of many instances of the roof panel flying off on corvette forum when the first Z's were out. BUT....Like the last time this was posted...I don't see any comparisons to be made between the cars.....I mean obviously in performance it's the Z06 hands down.....Looks/style = NSX all the way. IMHO

i'm sorry, but the corvette isn't the only car that's ever had a piece (even an important piece) fly off it.

i think you'd be surprised to know some of the things that fly off cars (any manufacturer).

 

[Acura.NSX.Turbo]

i'm sorry, but the corvette isn't the only car that's ever had a piece (even an important piece) fly off it.

i think you'd be surprised to know some of the things that fly off cars (any manufacturer).

I Agree. And I also got the chance to get a ride in my brothers 07 Z06; damn thing pulls. But besides that, the Z06 doesnt really move me, i dont think that GM is putting in as much as Design that theyre capable of. Especially with the new upcoming Z07 that will be pricing around 100k+. NSX still wins it for me.

 

[AndyNSX]

I Agree. And I also got the chance to get a ride in my brothers 07 Z06; damn thing pulls.

It sounds like the Z06 would be the right car for you.

 

[Acura.NSX.Turbo]

It sounds like the Z06 would be the right car for you.

The Z06 is a great car, ive noticed that, but im starting to realize what most members meaning by "power isnt everything", when i think of the NSX, i see it as a car i wouldnt trade in for a skyline, supra, nor Z06. Im 20 and ive been saving for a while to buy an NSX, but ive always been judgemental of its power capability, but it doesnt really matter to me anymore. Just seeing the designs of many members NSX's Fascinates me enough. (im in love with yours nsxsupra, nice nsx.lol) thanks 4 the help.

 

[jond]

You are 100% correct in terms of value but that wasn't the point made. Performance to price is the issue and the Z06 does have no equal.

But isn't it kind of dumb to only look at initial cost?
I mean you could put racing slicks and nitrous on a car and have great initial bang for the buck, but operating costs over time would make it a poor bang for the buck.

When you look at the cost of ownership from the day you buy it to the day you sell it, I would think a Z06 isn't that great of deal.

 

[AndyNSX]

But isn't it kind of dumb to only look at initial cost?
I mean you could put racing slicks and nitrous on a car and have great initial bang for the buck, but operating costs over time would make it a poor bang for the buck.

When you look at the cost of ownership from the day you buy it to the day you sell it, I would think a Z06 isn't that great of deal.

Good point. Before I decided on the NSX, I was looking at cars with similar initiial costs F355, testarossa both ~$65000. Once I factored in insane service costs ($5-10k 15k mile service), high parts costs if anything goes wrong (with a very good chance it will) and depreciation with miles, the choice was pretty simple.

There's been numerous Z06s wtih exhuasts falling off, rear axles cracking, roofs flying off. Also, depreciation is much, much higher on this car. The only real area it beats the NSX in performance anyway is straightline speed, so ask yourself how important that is to you.

 

[Liquid]

The only real area it beats the NSX in performance anyway is straightline speed, so ask yourself how important that is to you.

I think it dominates the NSX in pretty much every performance category, not just straightline speed. Lap times, braking, acceleration, top speed, quarter mile, pick it. It is 505 horsepower vs. 290 horsepower (for the NA2) at the same weight. It's not even close.

It also has much more interior amenities and technology than the NSX. Nav, satellite radio, heated seats, in dash CD changer, 7 speaker sound system, dry sump lubrication, carbon fiber components (floorboards and fenders), vastly more cargo space.

Guys, I have loved the NSX since it was first released and there is no question that the NSX is a timeless beauty. However, I really do think that some of you are operating under very dated assumptions about the vette. Give credit where credit is fairly due; the Z06 is a phenomenal car.

 

[ShiftyBob]

Really, unless you're a track junkie, the Z06 is a car for somebody who is just looking for raw power and the ability to say that they drive a Z06, because everybody and their brother knows what a Z06 is. I'm not trying to toot my own horn here, but when I bought my NSX, I could have bought just about any car I wanted, within reason. Under $150k, I looked at everything from Ferrari's, to Lambo's, to Maserati's and Aston Martin's. But, One thing, plain and simple, brought me back to the NSX each and every time, and that was the overall cost and reliability. I am not a power junkie (I would just kill myself with a Z06), so the 6 banger wasn't a big deal to me. If I want more power I'll just add a turbo or SC. But, at the end of the day, I know I don't have to worry when I want to take my car to Vegas... or even across the country. How many Ferrari owners (or even Z06 owners) would drive their car across country without first mapping out all of the dealerships? My guess would be VERY few!

 

[Liquid]

consumer reports gives the corvette their worst mark for reliability.
who wants an unreliable car?
not i.

Is this on the web somewhere (usually CR is a subscription based service and does not allow public access)? JD Power gave 4.5/5.0 for manufacturing quality according to Cars.com.

http://research.cars.com/go/crp/res...rolet&makeid=9&modelid=86&year=2006&myid=7723

 

[NSXGMS]

But isn't it kind of dumb to only look at initial cost?
I mean you could put racing slicks and nitrous on a car and have great initial bang for the buck, but operating costs over time would make it a poor bang for the buck.

When you look at the cost of ownership from the day you buy it to the day you sell it, I would think a Z06 isn't that great of deal.

True but all the other cars in the Z06's class experience the same phenomena.

 

[AndyNSX]

I have to agree with Liquid on this. I've driven a C6Z06 numerous times. The straightline speed (I lump acceleration, quartermile, top speed into this category) is a lot of fun, no doubt, but the luster wears off after awhile.

The steering feels very numb, almost like your floating, and the car doesn't feel planted at all at highspeeds.

The interior quality is your basic plastic Chevrolet. With all of the reports of engine problems, cracked axles, and different body panels coming off, I think the reliability speaks for itself.

Also how many people are really in love with the looks of this car and the fake air scoop? This car's definitely meant for a different crowd.

 

[TURBO2GO]

I would rather buy a $90,000 NSX that I can sell for $70,000 3 years later then a $70,000 Z06 that I can only sell for $29,000 3 years later.

I think pretty much says it all. My car after a year and a half is still worth what I paid for it pretty much. That was for an 05 bought in 06. I don't know how many other cars do that, I can't think of a one.

Z06 is a great car. Really. The NSX is a classic. Low volume, hand built, all aluminum in one of the sexiest most timeless shapes to ever be produced.

If you don't get that (and most don't, thank God), the NSX isn't for you.

 

[NSXGMS]

Hmmm...I can't recall anyone here saying that they would choose the C6 ZO6 over an NSX. The only "dissenters" if you will were people who noted that the overall performance of the ZO6, nothing else considered, was a true bargain at ~$75,000 seeing as how all the other cars that can compete with it out of the box are priced more than double the ZO6.

Regardless of any posters' opinions and experiences regarding the "feel" of the car the ZO6, in capable hands, is faster than any NSX, the F430, the Gallardo and the Ford GT. Those cars also tend to exhibit poor reliability, incredible depreciation and, in the case of the Ford GT, dubious interior quality.

There is pretty much no doubt the NSX is the better car and provides a better feel, better build quality and far and away a better value but it is not anywhere close to the performance of the ZO6 on any track. That much isn't debatable.

 

[NSXGMS]

...With all of the reports of engine problems...

I have not read of any issues with the LS7. Can you tell me where I can read about it?

 

[Nukem]

Have to see what Honda has in store with the next NSX, When Honda came out with the NSX in 1990 it changed the way higher end sports cars were made. Hopefully Honda can pull something that will be very competitive with the Vette,

 

[nsxotic911]

I think it dominates the NSX in pretty much every performance category, not just straightline speed. Lap times, braking, acceleration, top speed, quarter mile, pick it. It is 505 horsepower vs. 290 horsepower (for the NA2) at the same weight. It's not even close.

It also has much more interior amenities and technology than the NSX. Nav, satellite radio, heated seats, in dash CD changer, 7 speaker sound system, dry sump lubrication, carbon fiber components (floorboards and fenders), vastly more cargo space.

Guys, I have loved the NSX since it was first released and there is no question that the NSX is a timeless beauty. However, I really do think that some of you are operating under very dated assumptions about the vette. Give credit where credit is fairly due; the Z06 is a phenomenal car.

I'll sum this up in once sentence, "The Z06 is a better car than the NSX" enough said:tongue:

I find these types of questions/discussions akin to discussing why men suck on divorcedwomen.com (I don't know if that is a domain ..yet.. but you get my point) The perspective you're going to get is very biased.

Try this discussion on the Z06 forum, you'll have a hyperbolic response. A good number of them will say "NSX sucks! Slow, old, ugly, it's a Honda!" and a small few will say "NSX is.. bleah bleha bleah "

Rather than ask opinions, I say drive it, and figure out what's important to you. You make the decisions, not rely on a group vote..

 

[NSXGMS]

I'll sum this up in once sentence, "The Z06 is a better car than the NSX" enough said:tongue:

I find these types of questions/discussions akin to discussing why men suck on divorcedwomen.com (I don't know if that is a domain ..yet.. but you get my point) The perspective you're going to get is very biased.

Try this discussion on the Z06 forum, you'll have a hyperbolic response. A good number of them will say "NSX sucks! Slow, old, ugly, it's a Honda!" and a small few will say "NSX is.. bleah bleha bleah "

Rather than ask opinions, I say drive it, and figure out what's important to you. You make the decisions, not rely on a group vote..

True and I guess that post taken literally is a ringing endorsement for the ZO6 over the NSX but I believe it is undeniable that the NSX is a better overall value.

Sure, the ZO6 has many amenities the NSX doesn't but so does a 1998 Cadillac. Sure, it outperforms the NSX but 90% of the drivers of these cars won't even come close to realizing the performance difference. A skilled NSX driver is going to beat a poor ZO6 driver every time. The NSX is fast enough and if one were to throw on a CTSC and the Type-R suspension for a total cost of ~$90K you drastically reduce even the performance deficit and the NSX becomes an even better value.

Simply put, the Z06 is a much faster car with more amenities. That's it. The NSX has the ZO6 beat in virtually every other category including looks, IMHO. :wink:

 

[nsxotic911]

"undeniable that the NSX is a better overall value"

That's an oxymoron! "Value" is qualitive, subjective and not objective or scientific. It can not be measured, and thus it can not be 'undeniable'!

:tongue:

I personally would like to have both as they are both "equally" (subjective) great cars. However, being forced to make a choice between the two due to financial constrains, *I* went with the NSX but it does not mean that it was the better, smarter or wiser decision; it was just my decision...

 

[CChung]

I've had 3 different NSXs over the past 12 years, my last one being an '03 before I sold it last November. I just bought a regular C6 last month to keep me happy for the time being since I sold the NSX a bet too soon. I have to say GM has come a long way as far as quality is concerned. So far the car has not made a creak or squeak since I've owned it, whereas my NSX would always creak when I drove onto a driveway. Also the power and torque is enormous, even from the regular LS2 engine with "only" 400hp. I have to say if the NSX was still available new I would have to pick the Z06 because of the great performance and amenities difference. Hey, even the interior is not that bad, IMO. But the NSX does look more exotic looking and is probably put together better. Here is an interior shot of my car:

 

[AndyNSX]

That's an oxymoron! "Value" is qualitive, subjective and not objective or scientific. It can not be measured, and thus it can not be 'undeniable'!

:tongue:

I personally would like to have both as they are both "equally" (subjective) great cars. However, being forced to make a choice between the two due to financial constrains, *I* went with the NSX but it does not mean that it was the better, smarter or wiser decision; it was just my decision...

You're right, Everyone's definition of value is going to be slightly different. I could say to someone that I think a Mercury Tracer and a Lamborghini Murcielago are equally great cars as well. However, I believe there are some underlying priniciples sports car buyers use to judge their purchase. Some of which I believe are looks, hanlding, straightline speed, depreciation, exclusivity, running costs etc.

While looks might be argued by some, and straightline speed is obviously in the Z06s favor, the NSX adds value so much more in every other category. If were just looking at it from a financial standpoint, it will be even easier to define which car provides more value, just based on the costs and depreciation expenses.