People have always compared the NSX vs MR2 T and how they stack up to one another. Well, since I own both I would like to give my own personal review.
1995 NSX Targa (stock):
I have driven this car a few times already since the day of my purchase. Let me tell you, this is one special car. Everywhere I drive it I have people asking questions, pacing me on the highway to figure what the hell it is, and thumbs up. What I don't like is how I have to plan my trips. I wont take it anywhere unless I know where I will park it and be safe. I took it with me during jury duty last week for a day and I was worrying about it like a mad man.
How does it drive? If I can describe it in one word, refined. I am sure there are new sports cars out there with a better feel but I am comparing cars of that era, ie my MR2 T. The power is linear and you know whats coming. It is not a scary car but very fun. I have full confidence when I take the curves and it puts down its power well. It feels a heck of a lot more than 270hp. I love this car, and owning is a dream I had since middle school. Unless something better comes along or I am REALLY strapped for cash this car is not going anywhere.
1991 MR2 Turbo
Greddy power extreme exhaust, ProZ MBC, Greddy SMIC, KO Downpipe, Apexi Intake, BOV.
I fired her up today after doing a timing job on my civic and decided to take her out for a stroll. After driving the NSX, I wasn't too excited...that was soon changed. From the moment I sat in her I was reminded how this car is smaller than the NSX but more glovelike. I started her up, warmed her up and drove down the stree onto the highway slowly. I hit the highway and let her rip....wow is what literally came out of my mouth as she brutally put down the power. In a instant I was reminded that she is not the tame and precise NSX, she is a brutall little whore who takes it like a champ. Not Traction controll system, power boost from the turbo and lighter chassis she came out onto that highway like a maniac as I managed to control that fishtail. I would forget to shift as it does not have a 8K RPM redlike like the NSX. Sure she is modified but only mildly, she still has her stock CT26 Turbo and fuel system. Like the NSX, this MR2 is not going anywhere.
In conclusion:
Sure they are both Mid Engine RWD cars but that is where the similarities end. They both get attention (NSX gets more here though), both are fun to drive and both are timeless. I would not want to get rid of one or the other and I intend to keep them both for as long as I can. If I want to go for a hard drive and go crazy, I will take the MR2. If I want to go for a fun drive in the canyons and KNOW I have much better control or be somewhere nicer, then the NSX is there. I believe the MR2 Turbo and NSX are both very special cars and I am lucky to say I own both. Next to come is the Mazda RX7 Turbo and I can only hope it makes me as happy as the others have.

 

I loved and miss my MR2 quite badly and may buy another in the future. The only thing I didn't love was the occasional snap oversteer.

 

Junior lives the boss life.

(Blue8g from GDD)

 

thanks for the write-up! just as I'm thinking of getting an NSX too any comparison between that and an S2000?:P

 

mike, thanks but im no boss lol.

petawabit, you will not regret it if you decided to pick up a NSX. It truly is an incredible car.

 

perfectly summarized write-up! i've never driven an NSX but have been in quite a few MR2's -- modified and stock and they're a blast to drive.

in a semi-related note...
...i rode shotgun in my father-in-law's 20b rx7 (fc3s). the only thing else i can compare it to was the superman ride at six flags, lol. it launches like a rocket and you'd easily lose your stomach if you didn't know what to expect. you mentioned an rx7 turbo at the end of the write-up, it's for sale if you might be interested

Retro Car Mag' did a feature on some of his cars last year in June

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x-jkc3HzIn...s320/Page3.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-jkc3HzIn...s320/Page4.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-jkc3HzIn...s320/Page5.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_x-jkc3HzIn...s320/Page6.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_x-jkc3HzIn...s320/Page7.jpg

 

They are two completely different cars.....S2000 is a great car no doubt, but the NSX took 8 years to develop. NSX parts will be harder on your wallet versus the S2000. Two different cars period.

Mr2 and NSX has more similiar in comparison.

Both cars are great cars....I call the MR2 the mini NSX.