Mani

Guys, I have asked you for advice before and I come again.

Its getting close to that point where I am ready to make my purchase. After lots of research, I seem to be confusing myself more and more.

Now, I am considering between a 99/98' NSX or a 99/00' 996.

The performance is closely matched on both cars, but the Porsche obviously has a better brand name.

The NSX seems to be much more reliable and less expensive to maintain.

Being that I'm only 23, and have a monthly allocation of $1300 dollars for car payments/insurance/main costs.....what do you guys think is a better purchase decision?

mrpc12

You're asking the Porsche board. Of course we are going to say the Porsche. I would check rates on both cars with your insurance company first though. The NSX is a fine car but it's not a 911. If you can squeeze an extended warranty into your budget to protect against catostrophic repairs you will be fine with the Porsche. Whatever you do, don't buy either car from a Ford dealer.

chitownbob

I'd go with an NSX because of your age and budget constraint. NSX is damned reliable just like their honda accord and there are a lot of acura/honda shops out there to fix any problems you run into. Porsche maintainence and repairs are far costlier. Although I've had no problems with my 996, Acura has a better reputation for long term repairs.

Bobby

Moogle

the NSX has the exotic factor, it is special to some extent, but the reason you don;t see more is because not many people can justify spending 80k on a hyped up jaapnese car.

for 1300, if you have a steady job, you can afford to lease instead of financing, thereby opening up a great amount of different choices. shop around.

1AS

If cash is tight, neither. A single off-warranty repair could bust your annual budget. NSX's are reliable, but some models have had significant transaxle failures. If you can't handle a quick 5K repair, buy something with a warranty- like a new C6. By the way, just drove a new MB SL320 (the 6 cylinder car-if I got the number wrong). With the AMG wheel package, the car is a startling performer. Much better than I expected. That one might fit your budget with an predictable monthly expenditure. AS

chitownbob

[QUOTE=Moogle]the NSX has the exotic factor, it is special to some extent, but the reason you don;t see more is because not many people can justify spending 80k on a hyped up jaapnese car.

[QUOTE]


I disagree partially. NSX was an unbelievable car when it came out and is still a great car today. Its just that nobody can justify paying that much for a 13 year old chassis, design and technology, when there are a lot of alternatives out there including the 996/997, not because it is some hyped up japanese car. In my opinion, the japanese make the best cars in the world with some of the most cutting edge of technologies. Can't wait to see the new NSX even though there are rumors it will get cut.
Bobby

slam19s

As for the financial issue, you are looking at two different price ranges...

a '99/'00 C2 usuallyl runs anywhere between $35k-$45k and a '98/'99 NSX will run in the $45k-$55k range.

I think you need to figure out how much you want to spend first.

Good luck.

mooty

if you have financial constraints, both cars are bad choices. although nsx has slightly better rep for reliability, IF it breaks down, it will still cost you. furthermore, it eats rear tires much faster than porsches and those tires at 500-600 a pair will hurt after a while.

chitownbob is right. nsx was an amazing car when it came out more than a decade ago and even today it IS still amazing. i don't have the actual number, but driveline loss is essentially nil on that car. rwhp is almost the same as hp at flywheel. so a stock nsx has almost as much hp as 996c2. and it is far better balance than any 911. i am not saying one's better than the other (it's a personal choice thing) but nsx is not a hyped up japanese car. it's a great piece of engineering.

cab2u

In the last 6 years I owned a 91 NSX for 2.5 years, then a 98 NSX for 2 years, the a C5 for 2 months (got an offer I couldn't refuse) and now a 00 C2 for the last 1.5 years. The NSX is an awesome car. There is certainly a difference between pre 97's, (3.0 to 3.2 engine, 5 speed to 6 speed) but essentially the same car. (pre 95's no targa). If you are looking at a 98, the car is more than likely out of warranty. You might want to consider a 95-6 and save a couple of dollars. You can learn anything and everything about NSX's at nsxprime.com. My only complaint is that mechanically, it is dated. But I still love them.

The C5, that was an interesting car. Drove like an animal. For the money, you cannot come close to the performance of a Vette and still be able to buy an almost new car. The C6 is even better. You can find amazing deals on c5's.

The Porsche, well, the 996 is just different than other cars. Rear engine, handling, it is certainly fun. Maintenance is certainly more than the other cars, but only if something goes wrong.

If you have any other questions about these cars, you can email me at emailcab@yahoo.com

Moogle

nsx is a beautiful car, but its still a 6pot japanese car thats more than a decade old. plus the interior is hideous.

RJMDAD996

Moogle, Taste is relative, I think the NSX is one of the best designs PERIOD. I would opt for the NSX over the C2 - I also think the interior is just as nice as my 996, the seats are better, again it's all personal choice. I almost bought an NSX serveral years ago - I choose my 996 because of the back seats (I really use them, my kids are still small) with the lack of the rear space the NSX was not for me. In my futher I can see an NSX in my garage. I love the look, my only wish is the wheel size were larger. Again my two cents.

RJMDAD996

What's not to LOVE.

Moogle

OK RJ, i'm convinced

wormdoggy

It's very simple, if you purchase the NSX , you are always going to wonder what it would have been like owning a Porsche . so do it right the first time and buy the Porsche. The NSX is a great car but it's not a Porsche...............IMHO.

Cheers and safe driving.

mooty

actually i have had more than 10 porshces and i wonder what it's like to own a nsx ;-)