Which Acura NSX Version Should You Buy?
The Acura NSX choice divides into two distinct groups. The first generation and its restyling offer naturally aspirated Gasoline versions with RWD and either Manual or Automatic gearboxes, while the second generation uses a more powerful Hybrid system, a Turbo engine, a 9-speed Robotic gearbox, and AWD.
The Acura NSX choice divides into two distinct groups. The first generation and its restyling offer naturally aspirated Gasoline versions with RWD and either Manual or Automatic gearboxes, while the second generation uses a more powerful Hybrid system, a Turbo engine, a 9-speed Robotic gearbox, and AWD. For maximum performance, the second-generation 3.5 DSG with 600 hp is the clear choice: it reaches 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and has a 307 km/h top speed. Among the earlier cars, the restyled 3.2 MT with 294 hp provides the quickest listed acceleration at 4.8 seconds. Buyers prioritizing the lightest specification should consider the first-generation 3.0 MT at 1,370 kg, while those wanting an Automatic have 256 hp 3.0 AT versions from both the original and restyled ranges.
Acura NSX generations: what changed?
The first-generation Acura NSX was produced from 1990 to 2005 as a Coupe with three listed versions. Its range comprises the 274 hp 3.0 MT, the 280 hp 3.2 MT, and the 256 hp 3.0 AT. Every version is Gasoline-powered and uses RWD. The two Manual alternatives have 5 and 6 gears respectively, whereas the Automatic has 4 gears.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2002 to 2005 and remained a Coupe with three listed versions. It includes a 256 hp 3.0 AT plus two distinct 3.2 MT versions, one producing 280 hp and the other 294 hp. All three retain Gasoline power and RWD. The principal buying distinction is therefore between the 4-speed Automatic and the two 6-speed Manual specifications.
The second-generation Acura NSX has been listed from 2015 onward as a Coupe with two versions. Both are named 3.5 DSG, so they must be distinguished by output: one has 573 hp and 550 Nm, while the other has 600 hp and 667 Nm. Both combine Hybrid fuel type, Turbo boost, a 9-speed Robotic gearbox, and AWD. Compared with the 294 hp restyled 3.2 MT, the 600 hp 3.5 DSG adds 306 hp and reduces the listed 0–100 km/h time by 1.8 seconds.
Acura NSX engine specs and horsepower
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.0 MT | 274 hp | 284 Nm | 2,977 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 280 hp | 298 Nm | 3,179 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 3.0 AT | 256 hp | 284 Nm | 2,977 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.0 AT | 256 hp | 284 Nm | 2,977 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT, 280 hp | 280 hp | 298 Nm | 3,179 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT, 294 hp | 294 hp | 303 Nm | 3,179 cc | Gasoline | 6 | V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 3.5 DSG, 573 hp | 573 hp | 550 Nm | 3,493 cc | Hybrid | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Second generation 3.5 DSG, 600 hp | 600 hp | 667 Nm | 3,493 cc | Hybrid | 6 | V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Robotic | AWD |
Power per litre clarifies the scale of the second-generation change. The first-generation 3.0 MT produces approximately 92.0 hp per litre, while the first-generation 3.0 AT and restyled 3.0 AT each produce approximately 86.0 hp per litre. The 280 hp 3.2 MT versions deliver approximately 88.1 hp per litre, and the restyled 294 hp 3.2 MT raises that to approximately 92.5 hp per litre. The second-generation 573 hp and 600 hp 3.5 DSG versions reach approximately 164.0 and 171.8 hp per litre respectively.
The 600 hp 3.5 DSG does more than add 27 hp over the 573 hp version. Its torque rises from 550 to 667 Nm, a difference of 117 Nm, while displacement, cylinder count, V-shaped layout, Turbo specification, 9-speed Robotic gearbox, and AWD remain the same. On the supplied figures, this is the stronger second-generation choice for both output and acceleration.
Acura NSX performance and fuel economy
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.0 MT | 5.9 s | 270 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 5.9 s | 270 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 3.0 AT | 6.9 s | 260 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First-generation restyling 3.0 AT | 7.5 s | 260 km/h | 17.1 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT, 280 hp | 5.9 s | 270 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT, 294 hp | 4.8 s | 265 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 3.5 DSG, 573 hp | 3.8 s | 306 km/h | 11.8 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 11.2 L/100 km |
| Second generation 3.5 DSG, 600 hp | 3.0 s | 307 km/h | 11.2 L/100 km | not measured | not measured |
Among the original first-generation versions, both Manual choices reach 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and have a 270 km/h top speed. The 3.2 MT therefore adds 6 hp and 14 Nm over the 3.0 MT without changing either listed performance result. The 3.0 AT takes 6.9 seconds and reaches 260 km/h, making it 1.0 second slower to 100 km/h and 10 km/h slower at the top end than either Manual version.
The restyled 294 hp 3.2 MT is the performance pick among the earlier cars. It accelerates to 100 km/h 1.1 seconds faster than the 280 hp 3.2 MT, although its listed top speed is 5 km/h lower. The restyled 3.0 AT is the slowest listed NSX at 7.5 seconds, while its 260 km/h maximum matches the original 3.0 AT.
The second-generation comparison favors the 600 hp 3.5 DSG. Its 3.0-second result is 0.8 seconds quicker than the 573 hp 3.5 DSG, and its top speed is 1 km/h higher. City consumption is also listed at 11.2 L/100 km rather than 11.8 L/100 km. Highway and combined consumption for the 600 hp version are not measured, so a complete economy comparison is not available.
Acura NSX dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheels
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.0 MT | 1,370 kg | 1,610 kg | 120 mm | 70 L | 215/45 R16; 245/40 R17 |
| First generation 3.2 MT | 1,445 kg | 1,610 kg | 120 mm | 70 L | 215/45 R16; 245/40 R17 |
| First generation 3.0 AT | 1,430 kg | 1,610 kg | 120 mm | 70 L | 215/45 R16; 245/40 R17 |
| First-generation restyling 3.0 AT | 1,430 kg | 1,610 kg | 120 mm | 70 L | 215/40 R17; 255/40 R17 |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT, 280 hp | 1,445 kg | 1,610 kg | 120 mm | 70 L | 215/45 R16; 245/40 R17 |
| First-generation restyling 3.2 MT, 294 hp | 1,470 kg | 1,610 kg | 120 mm | 70 L | 215/45 R16; 245/40 R17 |
| Second generation 3.5 DSG, 573 hp | 1,725 kg | not measured | 94 mm | 59 L | 245/35 R19; 305/30 R20 |
| Second generation 3.5 DSG, 600 hp | not measured | not measured | 94 mm | 59 L | 245/35 R19; 305/30 R20 |
The first-generation 3.0 MT has the best known weight-to-power ratio among the original three versions at exactly 5.0 kg per hp. The first-generation 3.2 MT is approximately 5.16 kg per hp, while the first-generation 3.0 AT is approximately 5.59 kg per hp. Within the restyled range, the 294 hp 3.2 MT is approximately 5.0 kg per hp, ahead of the 280 hp 3.2 MT at approximately 5.16 kg per hp and the 3.0 AT at approximately 5.59 kg per hp.
The known 1,725 kg kerb weight of the 573 hp 3.5 DSG gives approximately 3.01 kg per hp. Its kerb weight is 355 kg above the original 3.0 MT, but it supplies 299 hp more. A weight-to-power figure cannot be calculated for the 600 hp 3.5 DSG because its kerb weight is not measured.
Every listed first-generation version has 120 mm of ground clearance and a 70 L tank. Both second-generation 3.5 DSG versions have 94 mm of clearance and a 59 L tank, differences of 26 mm and 11 L respectively. The second generation also uses 245/35 R19 and 305/30 R20 wheels, while the earlier specifications use the wheel sizes shown in the table.
Which Acura NSX version should you choose?
Choose the first-generation 3.0 MT if low kerb weight and a Manual gearbox matter most. It is the lightest listed version at 1,370 kg, produces 274 hp, reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and has a 270 km/h top speed. Its 5-speed Manual distinguishes it from the 6-speed 3.2 MT.
Choose the first-generation or restyled 3.0 AT if Automatic operation is essential. Both versions have 256 hp, 284 Nm, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox, and RWD. The original car records 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, compared with 7.5 seconds for the restyled version. Only the restyled 3.0 AT has measured consumption here: 17.1 L/100 km in the city, 8.7 L/100 km on the highway, and 11.8 L/100 km combined.
Choose the restyled 3.2 MT with 294 hp for the strongest earlier-generation acceleration. It adds 14 hp and 5 Nm over the 280 hp restyled 3.2 MT and cuts the 0–100 km/h time from 5.9 to 4.8 seconds. Its kerb weight is 25 kg higher, and its top speed is 265 rather than 270 km/h.
Choose the second-generation 3.5 DSG with 573 hp if you want Hybrid power, Turbo boost, AWD, and the 9-speed Robotic gearbox while retaining a measured kerb weight and a complete set of consumption figures. It produces 550 Nm, accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, reaches 306 km/h, and records 11.2 L/100 km combined.
Choose the second-generation 3.5 DSG with 600 hp when outright performance leads the decision. Compared with the 573 hp version, it adds 27 hp and 117 Nm, reaches 100 km/h 0.8 seconds sooner, and raises top speed by 1 km/h. Its kerb weight, gross weight, highway consumption, and combined consumption are not measured, so those missing figures cannot support a broader ownership comparison. Price and for-sale information are also unavailable in the supplied data, so the decision can only be made from the specifications above.