Japan vs Japan — 1990 vs 1992
| NSX Type R (NA1) | NSX-R NA1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 224 lb-ft | 217 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,977 cc | 2,977 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | 4.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 174 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.4 sec | 13.1 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 | $250,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1990 Honda NSX Type R (NA1) brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1992 Honda NSX-R NA1 answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity. 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-R NA1 delivering 280 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Honda NSX uses a V6 DOHC VTEC (C30A/C32B) displacing 2,977 cc, while the Honda NSX-R relies on a V6 DOHC VTEC with 2,977 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1992 Honda NSX-R NA1 edges ahead at 4.7 seconds versus 5.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 483 units built, the 1992 Honda NSX-R NA1 is considerably scarcer than the Honda NSX's 18,000 examples.