Honda NSX

vs

Porsche 911

Japan vs Germany — 1989 vs 2017

Honda NSX (1989)
Porsche 911 (2017)
Specifications
NSX Type R (NA1)911 GT2 RS
Horsepower290 hp700 hp
Torque224 lb-ft
Engine Size3,179 cc3,800 cc
0-60 mph5.0 sec
Top Speed168 mph
¼ Mile13.2 sec
Wheelbase2,530 mm2,457 mm
Length4,430 mm4,549 mm
Units Produced4831,000
Value (Excellent)$400,000$600,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1989 Honda NSX Type R (NA1) brings greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS answers with more power. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Japan and Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1989 Honda NSX Type R (NA1) versus 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 2017 Porsche 911 GT2 RS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 700 hp compared to 290 hp, a 410-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda NSX uses a V6 DOHC VTEC 24V displacing 3,179 cc, while the Porsche 911 relies on a Flat-6 with 3,800 cc. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.