I recently had the good fortune to conduct my own comparison of an F430, a Lamborghini Gallardo, and my SoS supercharged 2001 NSX. The event occurred at NAPA Speedway in Albuquerque, NM. The Ferrari and the Lambo were provided by "The Xtreme Xperience"; a company that tours around the country giving people the chance to drive exotic cars on a racetrack (for a price, I might add).
The F430 and the Gallardo were in factory trim, while my NSX has the SoS supercharger (418 RWHP) and a KW V3 suspension. NAPA Speedway is a very technical road course with a couple of straights and plenty of tight turns. There are also some elevation changes, too. I have driven this course many times over the years.
My driving skills fall somewhere between novice and Fernando Alonso. I have had competitive driving lessons in the past, so I guess I can say I can drive reasonably well.
Now for my impressions: The F430 and the Gallardo have superior brakes. Otherwise, the cars were comparable as far as handling and acceleration. Naturally, the NSX seems a little dated compared to these more modern cars, but for 1/4 the price who cares? I felt more in touch with the track in my NSX than in the other two cars. I came away with a new appreciation for the people who designed and built the NSX. Bravo, Honda! Lastly, there's no denying that both the F430 and the Gallardo have sweet exhaust sounds.
Philippe
The F430 and the Gallardo were in factory trim, while my NSX has the SoS supercharger (418 RWHP) and a KW V3 suspension. NAPA Speedway is a very technical road course with a couple of straights and plenty of tight turns. There are also some elevation changes, too. I have driven this course many times over the years.
My driving skills fall somewhere between novice and Fernando Alonso. I have had competitive driving lessons in the past, so I guess I can say I can drive reasonably well.
Now for my impressions: The F430 and the Gallardo have superior brakes. Otherwise, the cars were comparable as far as handling and acceleration. Naturally, the NSX seems a little dated compared to these more modern cars, but for 1/4 the price who cares? I felt more in touch with the track in my NSX than in the other two cars. I came away with a new appreciation for the people who designed and built the NSX. Bravo, Honda! Lastly, there's no denying that both the F430 and the Gallardo have sweet exhaust sounds.
Philippe
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