Japan vs Japan — 1990 vs 1992
| NSX Type R (NA1) | NSX Type R | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 224 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 2,977 cc | — |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 174 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.4 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,712 lbs | 2,712 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,530 mm | 2,530 mm |
| Length | 4,430 mm | 4,430 mm |
| Units Produced | 18,000 | 483 |
| Original MSRP | $89,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1990 Honda NSX Type R (NA1) brings higher top speed to the table, and the 1992 Honda NSX Type R answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Honda NSX. The 1990 and 1992 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1990 Honda NSX Type R (NA1) producing 290 hp and the 1992 Honda NSX Type R delivering 280 hp. The engine configurations differ significantly — a V6 DOHC VTEC (C30A/C32B) in the Honda NSX versus a V6 VTEC in the Honda NSX Type R. The 1990 Honda NSX Type R (NA1) claims a higher top speed at 174 mph compared to 168 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 483 units built, the 1992 Honda NSX Type R is considerably scarcer than the Honda NSX's 18,000 examples.