When it comes to supercars, Ferrari has long set the gold standard, producing some of the fastest and most stunning machines in automotive history. The iconic prancing horse emblem is universally recognized, and admired by car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. With such widespread acclaim, it’s easy to think that Ferraris are untouchable, and they cannot be beaten in terms of value and performance.
However, thinking that would be a mistake. Check out the exotic car market today, and you’ll find that there are many different supercars that can hang with a Ferrari on a track and even undercut it in price, at least by a few thousand. But did you know that there was a car in the 90s that could beat a Ferrari on the track, while only costing a fraction of the price?
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The Original Acura NSX Beat Ferrari At Its Own Game
The first-generation Acura NSX, produced from 1990 to 2005, was Honda’s first attempt at a supercar. Hence, the NSX’s name, which stood for “New Sports car eXperimental,” or NSX for short. Naming conventions aside, the Acura NSX was conceptualized in the mid-80s and produced in 1990 with the aim to beat one specific Ferrari at the time, the Ferrari 348.
1989 Ferrari 348
The Ferrari 348 was an important model in the Italian automaker’s history, as it bridged the gap between the Ferrari 308 and the 328. The 348 was designed by Pininfarina and featured many of the same character lines and sharp angles as the Testarossa. Its most notable design cues were the side strakes and rear grille.
Under its hood was a 3.4-liter V8 engine that produced 300 horsepower and was longitudinally mounted with a transverse five-speed manual transmission. With that kind of power, the Ferrari 348 could get up to 60 mph from a stop in around 5.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 171 mph, making it one of the most venerable supercars at the time. In addition to its power, the 348 was ahead of its time as it was constructed with a steel monocoque chassis and given an independent suspension, limited-slip differential, and advanced aerodynamics for greater handling and stability.
Today, the Ferrari 348 is widely regarded as a classic model in the automaker’s lineup and revered for its sharp styling and mechanical simplicity.
1990 Acura NSX Vs. Ferrari 348
When comparing the Acura NSX to the Ferrari 348, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. Although the Ferrari had more power on paper than the Acura, the NSX felt more confident during high-speed cornering compared to the Ferrari’s unpredictable nature at the limit. But performance isn’t everything, as the NSX was also easier to drive with better ergonomics, visibility, and comfort. That said, the Acura NSX was not just a terror on the track, but also a very livable supercar that could be driven every day, unlike the Ferrari.
|
Vehicle |
1990 Acura NSX |
1989 Ferrari 348 |
|
Horsepower |
270 hp |
300 hp |
|
Torque |
210 lb-ft |
239 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
5-speed manual |
5-speed manual |
|
0-60 mph |
5.2 seconds |
5.6 seconds |
|
Top speed |
163 mph |
170 mph |
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The NSX Was The Affordable Supercar In Its Day
As you can probably tell by now, the Acura NSX also costs far less than the Ferrari 348. At the time, the NSX had a retail price of around $65,000, while the Ferrari rang in at around $140,000. That’s a considerable difference, especially considering the value of the dollar back then. Of course, $65,000 wasn’t exactly a drop in the bucket for most buyers, but it was cheap compared to other cars in the class, including the Ferrari.
When adjusting for inflation in 2025, the original NSX price equates to around $145,000 and the Ferrari would ring at around $315,000. Again, the NSX only makes up for a fraction of the Ferrari’s cost.
The First-Generation Acura NSX Was An Engineering Marvel
When the Acura NSX came on the scene in 1990, it shocked the public and critics alike. Its super-car proportions and low-slung stature made it look the part, while its 3.0-liter V6 engine allowed it to keep up with some of the toughest sports cars of its day, including the Ferrari, despite it having less power. Surprisingly, the V6 engine only made 270 horsepower, which was fully sent to the rear wheels at the engine’s 8,000-rpm redline with the help of VTEC technology. Like the Ferrari, the NSX used a five-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic was also available.
The Acura NSX was also considered revolutionary at the time for its aluminum construction, which is attributed to its light weight and superb handling characteristics. Additionally, Honda equipped the car with a double wishbone suspension for precise steering and a near 50:50 weight balance. All this engineering made for a confidence-inspiring, road-worthy supercar that not only set the NSX apart from the Ferrari, but made it cutting edge for its day, considering no automakers had the type of technology they do today.
Reliability
Another way that the Acura NSX outshined the Ferrari 348 was in its reliability. Since it was made by Honda, the NSX was created with meticulous attention to detail, which allowed it to offer super-car performance with sedan-like reliability. Owners could easily drive it without worrying about it breaking down frequently and needing repairs. In fact, there are first-generation NSXs on the road today with well over 100,000 miles, some even have 200,000 on the odometer.
The Ferrari 348, on the other hand, was straddled with high maintenance costs due to its temperamental electronics and less-refined build quality. Unlike NSX owners, many Ferrari 348 owners complained about expensive service costs, which included engine-out services for timing belt replacement and other maintenance jobs.
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Prices for Acura NSX’s Today Are Still Competitive With Ferrari
While it’s possible to find a first-generation Acura NSX in the used market today, most sellers are charging a pretty penny for it. It’s not uncommon to see a first-generation NSX selling for anywhere between $60,000 to $120,000, depending on the car’s condition and location. It’s also possible to find a Ferrari 348 selling for around $80,000 to $90,000, depending on the car’s condition. What’s interesting is that the NSX has held its value so well in the past 30 years that it now costs more than the Ferrari on average, despite being far cheaper when it was new.
Is a First-Generation Acura NSX Worth Buying?
Yes, considering the Acura NSX is considered a classic and will likely continue to hold its value. However, its value isn’t the only reason to buy one. Although it may be over 30 years old, the first-generation Acura NSX is still an extremely fun car to drive, thanks to a visceral driving feel and everyday comfort. Also, in case you happen to pull up next to a Ferrari at a stop light, you know that you’ll be able to keep up with it without issue.