Nice comments from MR2 guys

[PHOEN$X]

http://www.board.mr2faq.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=130894&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

I think the above site may not let you view the threads unless you register, so here are some of the better quotes:

NSX-Why are they so expensive? w/only 270-290hp??
So I'm looking for my dream/reality car, you know something to aspire to.

I really love the design of the NSX, very exotic, but the performance numbers really suck for a 6cyl (270-290hp).

Why are these cars so expensive?

What do they do in 1/4 mile stock N/A?

What car should I get, whats the best bang for the buck $40-$50K?

Please no skylines,.. I think they look like 2 door Maximas.

You don't buy an NSX if you want straight line speed, just like you don't buy a Ferrari or Lotus.

It's a mid engined exotic sports car that basically is totally streetable and reliable. So you get an exotic car (in terms of performance and looks) that has the character of a Honda...whether or not this is good or bad is upto you.

If you want to go fast in a straight line, buy a Camaro or Foxbody and mount up some Mickey Thompsons. Please leave the REAL sports cars to people who can appreciate them for what they are.

who cares what it does in the 1/4.. its not a drag car... look at it, its one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and its mid engine!woohoo... now if only i could save some $ to buy one... wanna share that 50k with me?

Well, if you want to see why the car costs so much, just look at every detail of the car, from the aluminum suspension pieces to the frame, to the overall superb refinement of the car. Its expensive because it was designed extremely well. Yes its underpowered, yes its got a lot of understeer, yes its hard and expensive as all hell to modify, but it is a quality quality beautiful car. Its not gonna fall apart instantly. Its incredibly easy to drive and drive fast. Which IMO spoils the fun, I wanna be scared when I hit the gas, and I enjoy the challenge of controlling a lively car

why is it so darn expensive?

1) hand built
2) limited production numbers (less than 12k since they started production)
3) "technological flagship" car for honda
4) expensive materials (eg, all aluminum construction)


why is it so heavy (3000lb)?

probably due to the extra amenities (leather, a/c, premium stereo, etc) and safety features (airbags, door bracing, etc). The Type-R and Type-S Zero (non-US) models are significantly lighter, around 2800 lbs. if you want a lighter nsx, there is a lot you could get rid of (talk to raptor or jekylandhyde, kings of mr2 weight reduction!)

I dont bash drag racing, but if youre going to complain about an exotic car being too expensive for its 1/4 mile ET, then you're looking at the wrong type of car. You're (not you directly, but the guy who posted this) clearly missing the bigger picture.

I've often wondered why the NSX is a few hundred more pounds than the NA MR2. Sure, it's got bigger wheels, bigger brakes, wider body, bigger engine...but all I have to do is swing open the NSX doors and feel the extra weight put into the door for side impacts and realize that it's not only the doors, but the whole car that is built a lot more solid than the MR2. Then I begin to wonder why the MR2 is so much heavier than the 1st gen Miata.

Hmmm,...can't think of a NA 6 cylinder that exceeds the performance of the NSX. If that's what you call 'suck' then I guess that's a good thing.

NSX's are expensive new, but so are Porsches. You pay to service a Porsche when you own a Porsche and it is reliable like a Porsche. You pay to service an Acura when you own an NSX and it's reliable like an Acura. I would have no problem buying a 10 year old NSX with 100,000 miles, can't say that about a 10 year old Porsche.

A stock 91 NSX can do the 1/4 mile in 13.5 with a decent driver. Mint 91's can be had for around 30K.

You'll have to decide for yourself what is the 'best bang for the buck'. Sounds like you'd be better off with a highly modified pre-smog car or a single turbo Supra or a GNX, all rare and exotic in their own ways.

BTW, there were no overly harsh comments. Always nice to see the NSX respected!

P.S., I swapped rides with a 91 MR2 Turbo last night. There were a bunch of local owners at the Pavilions, and they were extremely friendly (letting me sit in their car, opening the trunk/hood for me, etc.). All were staring at my NSX as I pulled up to them.

 

[silverNEEK]

I have to agree with some of the sentiments by the mr2 owners. Me being a previous mr2 owner I think i should respond. I sold my 91 turbo and order to get a nsx. I miss my mr2 and loved its mid-engined styling and it was very fast but i feel the nsx, while slower in 1/4 mile, is just in a higher class. I've always loved the nsx's lines, interior, and just about everything else. I cant wait to get my hands on my first

I've found the nsx commuity to be very welcome to to be new owners and you guys give invaluable insight and advice. Not only do you get a great car but a great close nit family of owners. Heres a pic of my old baby that will make way for the nsx.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by nik3sgte:
the nsx, while slower in 1/4 mile

I assume your MR-2 was not stock.

 

[silverNEEK]

yes, my mr2 was not stock. It dynoed with an old setup 410 to the rear wheels (with a shot of nitrous). The last setup i had, when i sold the car, never saw any dyno time but should have put 480 to the wheels with out nitrous (although with lots of lag down low without the nitrous). The fastest 1/4 was an 11.6@124 (on nitto 501's street tires). Sure, I am comparing this to a stock nsx because i know there are some fast nsx's out there but i plan on keeping my next nsx mostly stock (we'll have to see if i get bit by the HP bug though ) The issues i had with my mr2 with this much HP was reliablity and practicality. Clutches after clutches and gallons on race gas (running 30psi of boost). Also the plain fact that the car was very squirmy on the street due to the hp. Anyway my point is that i am not moving down in any regard going with the nsx. I get heat from my toyota supra buddies for hp issues but i feel that i may not be able to run 11sec 1/4's but the car was built more for road courses and playing on mountain roads. I will more than welcome a lower hp for such i my mind a great all around car (and the sexy lines) of the nsx.

 

[mlambert890]

Nice props from the MR2 guys, but I'm not surprised. The MR2 is spiritually really similar to the NSX in a lot of ways and is an incredible car that is often underappreciated also. Clearly the MR2 crowd consists of sophisticated car enthusiasts who know their stuff!

I've seen some MR2's that make just HUGE power. That car is really an incredible value. If I couldn't own my NSX, I would be in an MR2...

 

[NSX/MR2]

Or you can alway do what I do; have both the NSX and MR2 at the same time, that's should take care of all the problems.

 

[Zishan]

I've always liked Mr. 2's!! I'm glad to hear some positive feedback from those guys. I too once wanted a MR2, but passed them up since they were too small, and got a M3. Now I'm in the NSX. Go figure.

Z

 

[NSX/MR2]

Ohh yeah, don't forget about the sign in the garage, where the NSX and MR2 park, that stated: " Mid-Engined Cars Only." I once knew someone that did the sign thing with his mid-engined toys, and all the neighbors reaction to that were, either they smiled or they shaked their heads in disbelief when they went by. Nonetheless, the guy was very well liked by the neighbors because of his easy and out-going attitude.

Just food for thought, I know there are a lot of great front-engined cars out there, but there just is something about a mid-engined car that makes my heart goes. I know that some of you share my passion.

 

[ron_nsx]

I agree with you guys, I too was a previous mr2 turbo owner (2 of them) and I would have to say that it was a great car but the nsx is just on another level. I can't recall any other japanese cars other than the nsx and mr2 that are mid engine.

 

[silverNEEK]

Ouch, ron_nsx your picture is depressing I knew of a mr2 owner who had his car vandalized and set on fire too. Some people are just horrible.

 

[PHOEN$X]

Oh man that is sad!

What's the story behind that MR2, Ron? Was it a vandal? If so, why would anyone torch a beautiful car like that?

 

[silverNEEK]

What's the story behind that MR2, Ron? Was it a vandal? If so, why would anyone torch a beautiful car like that?

I'm curious too, please explain.

 

[NSX/MR2]

Ron,
I didn't know that we have quite a few things in common. I agree that the NSX is a step up from the MR2, but I have to admit that the MR2 is cheaper and easier to maintain or turn into a track vehicle. That was the reason why I rather have both vehicles, the NSX and MR2. I know many of you guys understand where I come from.

Take great care, getlemen.
De

 

[Zishan]

Well, the foglights look ok!! j/k, but seriously, that is messed up. I too want to know what happened? Did they ever catch who did that? Damn shame!
Z

I agree with you guys, I too was a previous mr2 turbo owner (2 of them) and I would have to say that it was a great car but the nsx is just on another level. I can't recall any other japanese cars other than the nsx and mr2 that are mid engine.

 

[myf16]

A comparison with first-generation MR2

http://mr2.com/TEXT/NSXvsMR2.html

 

[silverNEEK]

Re: A comparison with first-generation MR2

http://mr2.com/TEXT/NSXvsMR2.html

Good Story I've always played with the idea of getting a 89 SC MR2 to play with while autocrossing so then i could be more prepared to race the (soon to be) nsx. My old 91 turbo was a handful but i admit i set it up more for 1/4 mile (dyno was very peaky).

 

[caz-nsx]

I had bought a 88 SC MR2 when I graduated from college back in 94. It had about 17k miles on it and was in almost perfect condition. Only downside was that it was an automatic, but still really fun to drive.

That MR2 is a big part of the reason I always wanted a NSX. There is no better feeling than a mid-engine design. I was hooked.

 

[PHOEN$X]

Thanks for the link, myf16.

nik3sgte: that is one sweet MR2! Did you sell it? I would love to have a clean MR2 like that!

 

[silverNEEK]

that is one sweet MR2! Did you sell it? I would love to have a clean MR2 like that!

Yeah I sold it (have to make room for my soon to be nsx )
Thanks for the compliment though. I loved the car and was sad to let it go, but since it helps me towards getting a NSX i feel a little better.
nik

 

[PHOEN$X]

Yeah I sold it (have to make room for my soon to be nsx )

Awww shucks Nik, and you didn't let us NSX guys have dibs on that sweet MR2. I really do like the mods you put on that car, it is very tasteful without being overdone.

I look forward to seeing what you do to your NSX!

 

[silverNEEK]

I really do like the mods you put on that car, it is very tasteful without being overdone.

Thank you again for the compliments. I was trying for something different but not too crazy. If you can tell those are in fact supra turbo rims on the car. They had to be narrowed 1/2" each to fit the mr2. With this mod and tweaking the fenders i was able to run 275 rears ,which is very large for a mr2 but it worked perfect. Sorry about not giving you guys a chance for the car. It's happily being driven by its new owner in Green Bay, WI.

 

[PHOEN$X]

If you can tell those are in fact supra turbo rims on the car.

I thought they looked vaguely familiar!