Instead of repeating my views
on the viper here I will try to keep it to comparison based only.
I wrote this short article for some of the NSX guys on NSXPRIME
mainly because the Honda/Acura NSX is one of the best real world
affordable exotic sports cars available. This is my own opinion
of course as I have been aspiring to own an NSX for years, actually
since I remember first reading about it just before it was introduced.
I have driven my fair share of them and continue to compare everything
I drive to it as I find it aesthetically wonderful, mechanically
excellent, and one of the best technically efficient supercars
ever created, with a unique and rewarding driving experience rivaled
by few.
How does the Dodge Viper compare
to the NSX of similar price range?
As for the NSX compared to the
almighty Dodge Viper...Here goes: Unlike the Viper the NSX is
very EASY to get in and out of...the Ergonomics are spot on and
everything inside the cabin is exactly as it should be. Visibility
isn't really an too much of an issue in either car, however the
NSX has a clear sight advantage over the Viper's big B pillar.
The overall sense you get is very different indeed in that in
the NSX you feel a little more connected to the road with the
low cowl view as opposed to the Viper which has a sea of hood
to overlook and no direct visual connection to the tarmac in front
of you. Both cars are low to the ground (it's advisable to take
bumps and inclines with caution) but here I can't say which of
the two is easier to live with. It's a toss up in my limited experience.
The gearbox on the NSX is by far
the better-built transmission. The shifts are smooth, precise
and give a feeling of directly reaching into the heart of the
gearbox to connect the spinning masses of teeth and metal. There
are shorter throws in the NSX and everything slips right into
place with no problems. However I PREFER the feedback of the better
feeling and stiffer clutch of the Viper. The NSX is inherently
easy to drive...but as I have said before if my little wife can
drive it...it's not too hard (and we've only ever driven the manual
steering models: 1991-94 and 99 Zanardi edition). I like the feedback
of a heavy clutch pedal for preferences and the viper has a beefier
factory clutch to satisfy my need for force feedback.
In the engine department...the
Viper has the NSX beat hands down in a power and torque war. It's
not high strung like the NSX, but the gobs and gobs of horsepower
and monster torque are something not of this world. It's VERY
addicting indeed. The NSX isn't slow or really lacking...it just
feels different with it’s super smooth response and linear
building of top end scream and VTEC power. On a track both are
capable motors but I think the NSX would reward the average driver
better than the Viper would. Both are great for pros...but clearly
the motor in the Viper has the edge and can cleanly leave the
NSX behind in an acceleration contest.
Chassis dynamics are different
in both. In the Viper there's no TCS, no ABS, and it FEELS heavier
than the NSX for sure. However the Viper turns and grips superbly
well...better than expected. However, the NSX is definitely more
balanced overall and seems to be faultless in it's handling characteristics.
It doesn't make you sweat like the viper does, and the NSX seems
to communicate in a language much more understandable and neutral
way than the Viper. That's not to say that the Viper is uncommunicative...it's
just harder to understand the limits, which can get dangerous
or lead to hampered efficiency while driving hard on a track,
or auto cross. The NSX looks out for you...where the Viper will
bite you out of spite for you not listening to it. Both suspensions
are great but I think the NSX has the edge in engineering. Although
the NSX suffers from too small a tire in stock form making the
grip level a bit less than desired...but it isn't really deficient
to say.
As far as reliability goes...We
all know, have read, and witnessed the NSX has the overwhelmingly
clear edge here. I don't think the Viper has proven to be near
60% as bulletproof as the NSX has over time. The NSX is a daily
driver if one chooses it to be with good manners in the wet coupled
by the help of the TCS. The Viper is a car to park in the garage
unless it's sunny and even though it's built from the Chrysler
parts bin...the maintenance and parts are said to be very pricey.
Overall the NSX is a confidence
inspiring machine to drive that has the great looks to compliment
it's svelt demeanor, while the Viper is more macho-man ego boosting
with low down fight dirty and spit you out brute force appearance.
I love them both...but if I could only have one...the NSX is where
I will turn to. It is hard to deny the Viper's presence...but
on an ownership basis...if you can only have one...you win in
all points with an NSX in my mind. However...be careful once you
sample the Viper...you will doubt all things you think you know
to be true. At a price point near the same…drive both and
see how they stack up for you. For me it’s a clear cut decision
for where my money would go, but that’s not to say the Viper
is a terrible car. I just want to enjoy my driving experience
as much as possible while being rewarded for average (read: not
Schumacher) driving skills and that means that the big snake doesn’t
make the cut based on that criteria.
