The 1990s sports car that kept up with Ferraris for a fraction of the price

When it comes to supercars, Ferrari has long set the gold standard, producing some of the fastest and most stunning machines in automotive history. The iconic prancing horse emblem is universally recognized and admired by car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. With such widespread acclaim, it’s easy to think that Ferraris are untouchable, and that they can’t be beat in terms of value and performance.

However, that would be a mistake. Take a look at the exotic car market today and you’ll see that there are many different supercars that can hang with a Ferrari on the track and even undercut it in price, at least by a few thousand. But did you know that in the 90s there was a car that could beat a Ferrari on the track, while costing a fraction of the price?

The original Acura NSX beat Ferrari at its own game

The first-generation Acura NSX, produced from 1990 to 2005, was Honda’s first attempt at a supercar. Hence the name of the NSX, which stood for ‘New Sports car eXperimental’, or NSX for short. Naming conventions aside, the Acura NSX was conceptualized in the mid-80s and produced in 1990 with the goal of beating one specific Ferrari at the time, the Ferrari 348.

Ferrari 348 from 1989

The Ferrari 348 was an important model in the history of the Italian car manufacturer, as it bridged the gap between the Ferrari 308 and the 328. The 348 was designed by Pininfarina and had many of the same character lines and sharp angles as the Testarossa. The most notable design features were the side planks and rear grille.

Under the hood was a 3.4-liter V8 engine producing 300 horsepower and mounted longitudinally with a five-speed manual transmission. With that kind of power, the Ferrari 348 could accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph, making it one of the most venerable supercars of the era. In addition to its power, the 348 was ahead of its time, as it was built with a steel monocoque chassis and independent suspension, incorporated a limited slip differential and advanced aerodynamics for increased handling and stability.

Today, the Ferrari 348 is widely regarded as a classic model in the automaker’s lineup and revered for its sharp styling and mechanical simplicity.

1990 Acura NSX Vs. Ferrari-348

When comparing the Acura NSX to the Ferrari 348, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. Although the Ferrari had more power than the Acura on paper, the NSX felt more confident during high-speed turns compared to the Ferrari’s unpredictable nature at the limit. But performance isn’t everything as the NSX was also easier to drive with better ergonomics, visibility and comfort. That being said, the Acura NSX was not only a terror on the track, but also a very livable supercar that, unlike the Ferrari, could be driven every day.

The NSX was the affordable supercar of its time

As you can probably tell by now, the Acura NSX also cost a lot less than the Ferrari 348. At the time, the NSX had a retail price of around $65,000, while the Ferrari was around $140,000. That’s a significant difference, especially considering the value of the dollar at the time. Sure, $65,000 wasn’t exactly a drop in the bucket for most buyers, but it was cheap compared to other cars in this class, including the Ferrari.

Adjusted for inflation in 2025, the original NSX price works out to around $145,000, while the Ferrari would come in at around $315,000. Again, the NSX only makes up for a fraction of Ferrari’s cost.

The first-generation Acura NSX was an engineering marvel

When the Acura NSX arrived on the scene in 1990, it shocked the public and critics alike. Its supercar proportions and low stature made it look good, while its 3.0-litre V6 engine allowed it to keep up with some of the heaviest sports cars of its time, including the Ferrari, despite being down on power. Surprisingly, the V6 engine produced just 270 horsepower, which was sent entirely to the rear wheels at 8,000 rpm using VTEC technology. Like the Ferrari, the NSX used a five-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed automatic was also available.

The Acura NSX was also considered revolutionary at the time due to its aluminum construction, which is attributed to its light weight and excellent handling characteristics. In addition, Honda has equipped the car with a double wishbone suspension for precise steering and a weight balance of almost 50:50. All this engineering created a confidence-inspiring, street-ready supercar that not only set the NSX apart from the Ferrari, but also made it groundbreaking for its time, as no automaker had the kind of technology they use today.

Reliability

Another way the Acura NSX surpassed the Ferrari 348 was in its reliability. Being made by Honda, the NSX was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, allowing it to deliver supercar performance with sedan-like reliability. Owners could easily drive it without worrying about it regularly breaking down and needing repairs. In fact, there are first-generation NSXs on the road today with well over 100,000 miles, some even 200,000 on the odometer.

The Ferrari 348, on the other hand, suffered from high maintenance costs due to its temperamental electronics and less refined build quality. Unlike NSX owners, many Ferrari 348 owners complained about expensive service charges, including engine shutdown services for timing belt replacements and other maintenance work.

Prices for Acura NSXs are still competitive with Ferrari today

While it’s possible to find a first-generation Acura NSX on the used market these days, most sellers charge a pretty penny for it. It’s not unusual for a first-generation NSX to sell for between $60,000 and $120,000, depending on the car’s condition and location. It is also possible to find a Ferrari 348 selling for around $80,000 to $90,000 depending on the condition of the car. What’s interesting is that the NSX has held its value so well over the past thirty years that it now costs more on average than the Ferrari, despite being much cheaper when new.

Is a first-generation Acura NSX worth buying?

Yes, as the Acura NSX is considered a classic and will likely continue to hold its value. However, its value isn’t the only reason to buy one. Even though it’s more than 30 years old, the first-generation Acura NSX is still an extremely fun car to drive, thanks to its intuitive driving feel and everyday comfort. And if you happen to stop next to a Ferrari at a traffic light, you know you can keep up with it without any problem.