I have owned a ‘91 NSX and ‘00 gated Modena for several years and your review is spot on 100%. The NSX is by far the better car but the Ferrari is by far the more exciting car to drive. It’s the age old question… do you want to be with a wild woman or a good woman? 😮
The way my mind works - go for the good woman and attempt to make her a little wild 😂 Or in other words, go for the NSX but modify it with say a supercharger, a tune, aftermarket wheels, bigger brakes and coilovers
@@johnmitchell2269 It’s a great idea you have. Science of speed supercharger, better braking, nsx-r springs and dampers and wheels and you are in a real happy place. Don’t need more than that.
Fenton, it was a pleasure you having review my NSX! Amazing how the short gears really change the car. Just a note that the exhaust was from a 95-96 NSX and is a direct bolt on. The 97+ had different piping. I changed it given I wasn’t a fan of the oval tips on the 91-94 models. I also love the stock exhaust as I want to hear the full engine note unobstructed by a noisy exhaust. I briefly had a Comptech exhaust on the car and took it off given it drowned out the engine note. Thanks again for reviewing my car. I’ve driven a F360 many times and it’s quite a driving experience. The engine paired with the Capristo exhaust is the perfect combination.
I wanted to say curse you. I have been debating going JDM gear set with the 4.23 final on my 91. I kept trying to tell myself "I don't need it, I don't need it", then this video popped up on my recommendations list. Now I am looking at my budget to get this done, along with any other items I should take care of at that time. Serious though, thanks for loaning your car out for this review.
Yeah man, with the Capristo or Tubi, it becomes an absolute riot. I've had the luck to drive a lot of cool cars, but this period always holds dear to me. Even through the silly bubble lights, the NSX is ridiculously satisfying.
@@Nukem962001 Fenton offered to review my car with the short gear set and Type-R final drive so I took him up on the offer as I didn’t live that far away. The gears do make a difference. it’s money well spent. Car is way more drivable in town and I do find myself driving the car more now than before. I had to wait six months for the parts to finally arrive but the reward was well worth it. Car is definitely more fun to drive now.
Couple of corrections: The 360 interior is far superior quality wise. That interior doesn't look too bad considering it's a track car. Lovely Daytona seat upgrade. The "plastics" aren't plastic, they're aluminium. The switch gear obviously is and does get sticky (simple to refurb). Those are F430 wheels not stock wheels. The stock are the (far prettier) starfish ones and are 18s. 19s actually take away from the true spirit of this car and add more grip. This is a low grip car (for fun purposes). However, putting Super Sport tyres helps make the 18s stick better. 19s take away a LOT of feel. There were far more than 500 manuals. Probably more like 2-4000 (globally). The Sport mode button is annoying because it keeps the suspension in crashy mode. This can be modified out to keep it in soft mode (everyone should do this). The manual gearbox is overrated. These cars are fast and twitchy. Why would anyone NOT want the paddles shift and two hands on the wheel? Also.. You do NOT want to money change a Ferrari. The changes are not great as you see. It isn't a great manual box. Get a later F1 (2002 or later, or put a CS TCU in it) keep on top of it and you'll be fine. The AC will need regassing. It is plenty cold when the gas is full and the compressor isn't knackered (very common). In terms of the better sports car? The 360 wins hands down. Few other cars make you feel more alive (windows DOWN the whole time! Wear earplugs! - I'm being serious)
Maybe a 2000 NSX (NA2) should be compared to the 2000 360. As we know, the NA2 had quite a few improvements over NA1, 6 speed, 3.2L, suspension and brakes.
Ex NSX NA1 owner now 5.0 Gallardo owner. I agree with you, it's about the thrill and smile factor, if you get a crazed laugh as well, it's probably the right sort of car :)
2:20 Cracked me up man. Just a few hours ago I had to push my NA1 out of the garage and do a 4 point turn because my battery died. XD Have a nice day. :)
I’m 54 yrs old, I always thought that when I was older I would own an NSX…I just can’t justify spending that much money…so, I own a 10th gen Civic Si. But I still want an NSX.
do it! one of my biggest regrets is not taking the plunge on an NSX back in the day when they were trading in the 30k-40ks. now they're out of reach, and they'll just keep getting more expensive
Performance wise? Nah it's reliable and if you enjoy the Hondaness of it then it's style is fine. But the performance is lacking as is the overall excitement of driving it, it looks like an exotic but drives like an accord
@@Carrissvmf Not even close, it was well regarded for it's great handling. The only problem with the nsx is it's slow against the much more powerful cars people always compare it with.
Re the revs dropping between upshifts, instead of slamming the shift so hard, it's a lot more sympathetic to the synchros to shift more gently and smoothly timed and then just put a little blip in on the upshifts, too. You'll feel more in tune with the powertrain, too, rather than forcing it.
Strongly agree, the gated gearbox in the Ferrari’s are well known NOT to be rushed when shifting as if you’re driving a truck. Which is why the auto paddle shift is the better option & in my opinion, better matched with the engine, especially for track days
@@ultimaevo77 Afraid it's you who doesn't understand how to shift and likely learned from Fast and Furious if you think there's no benefit to blipping on upshifts. Engines with minimal flywheel effect lose revs very rapidly between shifts including upshifts. So, one option is to try to shift really quickly so the revs don't drop too low before you re-engage the clutch. This is what 'fast and furious' types will do, they'll attempt to speed shift, ramming the shift through really quickly. This is horrible for the synchros. Somebody with a more nuanced, informed and mechanically sympathetic approach will shift at a pace that allows the synchros to mesh more gently and thus put a little blip in to match the revs with road speed in the new gear. Blipping isn't for downshifting. It's not for upshifting. It's for matching engine and road speed on any shift where there will be a mismatch. My hopes aren't high that you'll take this novel information well, as you'll be too busy slamming you shifts in fast and furious style and imagining you know what you're doing!
Been operating manuals a lifetime now. If you properly time your upshifting, forget blipping the throttle. You hardly need to use your clutch, blipping the throttle is only necessary for downshifting.
@@jasonscotta7129 Incorrect. What experience do you have of engines with very little flywheel effect? Evidently none. Like I said, with engines with little to no flywheel effect, you have a choice of ramming through your shfits fast and abusing the synchros or putting in a little blip. On cars with very low flywheel effect, it's typically not a case on blipping on every upshift, but dependent on need and timing. It's all about being mechanically sympathetic to the synchros, as opposed to trying to be like Fast and Furios and speed shift like a prat, smashing through the synchros. That's a horrible, clumsy and crass way to drive. You may have been operating a manuals for a lifetime, but it's clear you still have plenty to learn.
Looooved the way you do it in such a casual manner and how an everyday dude will do it (with normal driving skills), like somebobody else just said it earlier in the comments. You tell your truth, are free in your opinions, views angle are simple but work a treat. Keep going man that is simple brilliant work on the cars lovers youtube business. Blessing from France ! (By the way, my heart goes both ways, because of gran turismo and Ayrton killing it on Suzuka for the press for the NSX and how not to be overwhelmed by the poster i had of the 360 modena back in my young boy room and the way it goes now being a grown man. Tough call so, I guess you summed it up pretty right you need both !)
NA2 1999 typeS of 0→62mph is 4.9sec, 360 Modena is 4.9, 0→400m drag time is 12.9 sec from Car graphic performance data. 1990 NSX of 0→62mph is 5.7 sec. We can learn the later 3.2 model NSX-S and 360 are the same performance from these data! Maybe the NSX 3.2 coupe is 0→62 in 5sec and around 13.2 sec in quarter mile drag time? I always like your review!
Very similar thoughts to how I compare my NSX and my 308. The NSX is technically superior in probably every way possible. But the 308 is much more emotional of a drive, by a huge margin. I'm still not sure which I'd keep if I could only keep one.
Your feedback is so spot on for people that care about driving experience. Would love to see you do more reviews of other popular models to get your take.
Man, this was the kind of review I was looking for on TH-cam. Great work and perfect driving skills. Oh man, real petrol heads do miss manual transmissions joy to up shift and downshift. The NSX is the nice woman and that F355 is the wild one, as mentioned above. Considering Honda being 8 years older, it outshines the Ferrari in every aspect apart from its V8 engin growl... The NSX has been the pinnacle of Honda, whereas the F355 ain't!
As an owner myself of both I’d have to disagree. The NSX will always have that special place in my heart, but the Gated 360 for me has been better in every way. Great video though!
LOVE my Rosso Corsa 360, definetly a great car imo but it also is more of an involved car to drive and own. Dont think id ever trade it for anything other than another Ferrari. As far as interior, quality is much better than the NSX. Although, that is a great car as well. To each there own
Great video man! I love this type of stuff. Love the silly 'stop' button on the Ferrari AC controls, and they barely work I might be wrong, but you can't find a solid manual 360 for under $140k. A good one will run 10-20% more than that. At some point, I will grab an NSX - incredible car to drive.
When I think of exotic sports cars, things like passion, visceral experience, and driving excitement come to mind. Ferrari's embody that, and the 360 Modena is no exception. It's about providing a connection to 80+ years of racing heritage the Italion way. That doesn't include high performing AC, or tactile refinements.
Awesome video, thanks for the comparison, I am actually cross shopping both of these with a 996 turbo, 996 GT3 or V8 Vantage (2009-2017). But for the 360, at this time I could only afford the F1 box, but I could always manual convert later on.
He really said Mah-deh-nah, multiple times. When it comes to the Mah-deh-nah's steering feed back perhaps the alignment could use some adjustment. Typically, low caster creates a "loose" feedback. Increase the positive caster and you'll get more "loadup" in the steering on corners.
Ciao. If you wanted to be pedantic it’s like halfway between Mow and Mah. But the way you said it is close enough for anywhere outside the boot. What’s kind of ugly is when people say Mow DAY Nuh. Edit: or sometimes people say Mow DEE Nuh. Also ugly.
I always looked down on the NSX because the specs on paper looked lack luster, BUT then I got the chance to drive a very well kept 91 model and I fell in love.
Firstly great comparo. I think you were pretty spot on. As a pretty seasoned Street car Ferrari driver I knoticed you picked up on the heavy brakes right away, they do this bc the mid engine V8 cars really rotate during braking, take out long term reliability the two engines are apples and oranges ( ive driven a U S. Spec NSX-Full boltons a lot) just for comparison. It might have been helpful to drive them in reverse order. All manual ferraris dont shift smooth the first 30 minutes, all have heavy brakes and all v8's 308'- modetna have heavy trail braking/mid engine neutrality, which was neutered a lil in the NSX imo. I think you 80% got it right. That model/trim ferrari interior is junk, nsx way superior for dailying, although modens are notorious good road cars for being ferrari. On a track, with a real tire, the nsx is obv getting smoked. Ferrari purposely kept all the analog /nvh emotion, where the whole thing w NSX WAS mute it while imitating a 355 tuned for less oversteer. But, great vid snd im a biased 328 owner.
Are the wheels on the Ferrari not from the F430? I thought all 360’s had the 5 spokes like on your poster. 🤔 Nice comparison video, and good work on the channel, please keep it up! 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Another nice video, thanks. I suspect your NSX would be much more fun for B roads / canyon driving on smaller wheels like this car. You'll get much more feel, the car will be more nimble and the limit will be more accessible, progressive and fun. It makes such a huge difference. Big wheels and tyres come with so many negatives for this kind of driving, but so many people still bolt them on. Having driven a 360, it was OK, but had a sort of glorified kit car feel.
I’m not a Ferrari fan but I do prefer it over the NSX. Just based on the sound alone. A lot more involved driving experience. But my R8 V10 manual, that’s the keeper.
Hi Zygrene, thank you so much for your Nsx content! The more you compare your NSX with another cars, the more convincing you can get yourself to like your Nsx for sure, the complete cohesive package I like the way you describe. NSX is my national pride 🇯🇵 Right now I’m happy with my combo of AP1 and S260 exige and wondering if you could convince me to swap S260 with NSX?
This was entertaining to watch! The Japanese 90's supercars are FAR more easier to drive with their power assists and forgiving shift boxes. They have all the creampuff comforts of a "Camry" removing the road experience from the driver. Ferrari is not like that at all. It is a drivers car giving feedback of the road and machine, which I could tell from this video, the driver here is not accustomed! (laughing) 13:31 HERE. This is where all new Ferrari owners get into serious trouble. They expect that "Camry" braking where you barely touch the pedal and they grab. That has never been Ferrari in the braking department. As a new Ferrari driver, you almost have to stand on them, as a contrast. But Ferrari has always been like that. The critique of Ferrari braking comes from the creampuff driver of Japanese comfort cars, going into race-bred Italian sports cars. (wink / smile ) Good video!
Great video. Have never driven a 360 but back in 2003/04 I was considering buying a Ferrari 355 as had always like the shape. I hired one for a weekend trip away and loved the noise and the gated gear change was really sweet to use. It rode well and the handling was impressive though what put me off was the slow steering which lacked feel and the build quality which was not up to German or Japanese standards. I ended up getting a Porsche 996 GT3 which I owned for 12 years and was great fun especially after a few minor mods to the engine and suspension. I wanted to get into track days and I felt the 355 would prove expensive to track. I think Ferrari in later years have upped their game in terms of build quality going by the 458 Speciale I was fortunate to have a ride in.
The 360 was actually rather flawed, superb engine but otherwise not great, and rather horrible build quality, the F430 was a major step forward, would like to see you review that someday...
I love my nsx. Installed headers and real loud exhaust and the car was much much more fun to drive and listened to because u don’t wanna take your foot off the gas pedal. But I hate that when I go very fast on canyon runs, on sharp turns I feel the front wheel lifting up, but it still gets full traction.
NSX or 360? Neither. The right answer is a Gen-1 R8 V10. The NSX is too subtle... a bit TOO low key, and it's under-powered to be truly thrilling. The 360, well, it has an exciting engine sound, but it falls down in nearly all other ways - including poor Italian engineering, build quality, and quirks at every turn. No less, the 360 just wasn't a special car in any way - just another V8 Ferrari. The NSX, at least, was a revolution at the time - it was Honda's first supercar, and it gave Ferrari a run for its money. The proper comparison would be a 348 or 355. The R8? Well, that's the best of all worlds. It gave you the build quality of a German luxury manufacturer - head and shoulders above Italians. But it also gave you the excitement of a naturally aspirated V10 revving out to nearly 9k RPM... so, talk about enjoyment and sound. Like the NSX, it was Audi's first supercar, so it immediately held historical significance. Unlike the NSX, the R8's story was a lot deeper, though - carrying the namesake of the R8 LMP1 racecar that took the win 5 out of 6 times it entered Le Mans, there was real racing pedigree in the blood, and that also went for the GT version of the roadcar (LMS Ultra). The NSX and 360 are both fine cars, but something like the R8 (for similar money) is going to outshine both by a mile.
yea German luxury manufacturers...dream on my man! My brother worked at Honda in the 90s and serviced the nsx and was on the nsx development workshop. After that he worked at Audi for several years and the r8 came out! He said quote: The Audi had so slopy hot glue solutions for fixing the cables in the doorpanel, that the nsx 20 years before the R8 not dare to have. So you are so blinded if you think german bulshit cars are "PREMIUM"! My brother said, Audi is letting roll of engines in production, where its obvious that the engine has a design flaw and it will have engine failure at about 50000km. Honda or any other japanese MAnufacturer would never ever allow something like that! The R8 is nice for show off and nothing else!
Two stories in one . . . the improvement in the NSX gearing over stock was immediately evident. That's exciting. The head-to-head comparison, as evidenced by the comments so far, is unlikely to be viewed dispassionately.
gated manuals definitely take some time to get used to. I had the same issue with my R8 and friends driving the car for the first time struggle to shift quickly as well.
The NSX really could have benefited more by having a small, flatplane V8. I noticed while driving one a few years ago that the idle seemed unusually rough.(car only had 19k miles) Recently discovered that Honda left out balance shafts to save weight/space. A wider rear end and tire size along with a V8 would have gone a long way with this car. And the 360 wheels are from an F430. Both great cars.
I remember driving both back to back in 2000/2001 and both the 3.0 and the 3.2 NSX were the better car all day long. I even preferred them to the 993 911 as a car. The Turbo would be faster and, if I'm honest, looks better too but I'd still pick the NSX as the better overall car. I don't think ppl realize how further ahead of the competition the NSX was when it first came out. I mean, we're talking about a car that effectively was released in 1990 and comparing it to the Ferrari 360 which was released nearly 10 years later! The 1st time I drove an NSX I was in love in like 30s... I had a 300ZX TT at the time and spent months doing all kinds of math to try and get a NSX instead hahaha then missed the boat a few years later when I could afford them easily and actually enjoy them. Unfortunately now they've reached a point where they cost so much that it would diminish my driving pleasure due to the pure worry of damaging the NSX somehow.
I’d just blur/black out out the entire console, when driving. You can still tell how fast you’re going. Or it could be determined, by rpm and gear ratios.
KSP Exhaust on the NSX sounds better. Don't forget to make a video when you convert the jdm gears and FD. I'd like to see what parts are required and how it all comes together. cheers
I love this channel. The perspective on the actual driving is a breath of fresh air. However, this dude is absolutely going to lose control of one of these things eventually and it's going to be bad. Watching these videos, it's only a matter of time.
Great video, and pretty much as I would have expected from all the reviews I've read over the years. If we could afford one, all of us would want and have a Ferrari. But at the expense of a near perfectly pitched and resolved super sports car modern classic that's never been improved on, and now, with modern tech, never will be? hmm...probably not. If you could have both, congrats. Obviously you were unfamiliar and cautious with the 360, but it was very visible in the video that you couldn't relax with it and exploit it down that road. It was much more point and squirt. Still wonderful and heaps of fun for sure, but not the completely resolved driving experience of the NSX. NSX: Better steering, better transmission, better ride/handling and overall chassis balance. Yes, the Ferrari has one of the most exciting motors ever, but the NSX has one of the best also...
Had a 99 NSX and currently have an 03 gated 360. To me the NSX was great, but it’s no Ferrari. The flat plane crank, screaming little V8 has its own vibe for sure.
Find someone with a 93+ Corvette ZR-1 to compare with the NSX. I was caught between the 2 and went with the Z. Mostly because Im an American chauvinist, but also because it was cheaper, and I wanted more horses under the hood. It's a great car with a very raw driving experience, beautiful exhaust note, and cockpit style interior that's hard to match.
There’s just something passionate and romantic about a pre-00 Italian car. You can’t even compare the sound of these two cars. If you want to drive my alfaholics inspired twin spark super, let me know. Glad to connect sometime
Great comparison! I'd love to see if you could compare an 05 NSX to an 05 Porsche boxster S. Both mid engined, 3.2L, 280ish hp, and 3100 lbs. When they were both for sale, I believe the NSX was about $30k more, so I would be interested to see how they stack up with such a large price difference and such similar specifications on paper. The only test I was able to find was with a base 981 boxster, which is down on hp and torque, and doesn't have the same steering feel of a 987.
As an owner of a 987 3.2S I would imagine they might stack up pretty evenly performance wise. One area I think the NSX might certainly win though is the gearbox. I've driven and owned several Hondas and the 987 gearbox is quite clunky by comparison. I would love an NSX myself but as you pointed out the price difference is huge now.
Pretty cool comparison. The NSX did everything it was desogned to do. Compeye with Supercars but be able to be driven as a daily drivrr and cost almost exactly the same amount in maintenance as an Integra. FYI, putting a manual transmission car into 1st gear at any speed just over rolling is bad for the transmission. Its not designed to be used thst way, and why so many dont have synchros for 1st gear.
Both awesome and different just like a Japanese female 2,000 yrs heritage vs Italian female 2,000 yrs heritage. Both are different philosophy and heritage while they are same purpose of having fun, it's unique experience that is special and not really comparable in many ways. We should appreciate for what they are.
We had a 360 convertible for a while. It sounded really good but everything else was sub-par especially the build quality and electronics. It didnt even seem that fast compares to a lightly tuned GTR or Supra at the time.
I just finished watching this review/comparison, and found it interesting. i've not driven an NSX so I have to go by your descriptions. I've driven a number of Ferraris from different vintages, and the older ones I found quite twitchy. Several weeks ago, a friend had me drive his F8, and I absolutely found it a "snoozefest," completely devoid of feel, no steering feel or input whatsoever, and driving the car felt more like driving a Cadillac stretch limousine than an exotic sports car. And the drive by wire throttle was just plain unnerving. I did not like it at all. I have a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera that has a built Cleveland engine with about 500 hp, a gated 5 spd. shifter and enough torque to start the car from a stop in 5th gear. And the noise coming from inches behind your head is monstrous. As you described in the Ferrari, the transmission has to be very deliberately shifted, not too fast, and you have to aim for specific spots in the "fingers" to shift smoothly. But it's very satisfying with a mechanical clickety-clack when you're changing gears. Without power steering, it can be a handful parking or on a track with a lot of technical curves. My 71 year old body can not recover as quickly as when I first got it about 30 years ago. With the very wide tires, and a very heavy clutch, it is a very physical experience but offers thrills everytime it is driven. The F8, on the other hand has taken all the thrill out of the car, so what's the point of owning it other than a status symbol. My friend and Sunday car meet companion sold his NSX about 4 years ago to buy a Pantera after he test drove mine, and he always speaks very highly of his NSX. He has since sold his Pantera after about 4 years and bought a 308 and about two weeks ago an F355. He loves both of them. I enjoyed your comparison and the way you analyzed them and look forward to future reviews/comparisons. And if you ever want to take the Pantera out and you're in southern Califonria, reach out, and you're welcome to take it out for a weekend.
omg Envy! Enjoy the Pantera as long as you can my friend. One of the sexiest, most beautiful, coolest cars ever, and with 500hp, no doubt an absolute beast to drive. I'm drooling!
You never know, stranger things have happened. A close friend of mine is flying to New Zealand from Los Angeles next Thursday for vacation. Offer is always open.@@samueldowney2806
First of all, I appreciate your comparison. I believe you should adjust your driving technique to suit each car's characteristics. The NSX thrives when driven to the rpm limiter, utilizing its full potential, while the Modena benefits from utilizing momentum. The Modena boasts a more powerful engine at lower revs, and its gearbox prefers a smoother handling approach. By adapting your driving style accordingly, you'll derive much more pleasure from both cars. It's evident that the gearing of the NSX enhances the driving experience significantly. This has always been my main concern with the car. On the track, you rarely reach fifth gear unless you're on demanding circuits like the Nürburgring. What car? The solution is simple: use a Civic for daily commuting and invest in the 360 Modena. A sports car should provide a challenge and be an extraordinary experience. If driving it were easy, where would the thrill be? The 360 Modena will not only make you a better driver but also make every drive a special event. Having owned an NSX and driven it on tracks like the Nürburgring and Spa Francorchamps, I can attest to its outstanding quality. However, it never invoked the same nostalgic sentiment as my vintage Alfa 105 GT. I also had a 348, which non-owners often label as challenging to drive, yet even that car brought more smiles on winding roads compared to the NSX. It's not all about speed; it's about the sensations you experience. The gated shift in the Ferrari is exquisite - as long as you're willing to engage with it. A Ferrari will never be a Honda, and there's no need for it to be. No car can do everything. If you seek an all-around daily driver, the NSX is the answer. However, if you want passion in your life, the 360 is it - period. By the way, the Ferrari is customizable, especially in the suspension department. Comparing stock to stock makes the comparison more fair, even considering the age difference. While the Honda NSX is undoubtedly a wonderful car, a Ferrari transcends being just a car - it's a way of life.
"Heel toe" is ONLY when the car is under braking... Other than that, it isn't heel-toe, it's just blipping and "rev matching" (so many get this wrong!). Heel toe on the public road really isn't that useful because there are very few occasions where you are on full brakes, and that is where heel toe really comes in (it's pretty hard to 50% brake and heel toe without turning it into 100% brakes and it actually being somewhat dangerous). Bottom line: heel toe is a motorsports / racing technique.
I think F355 has the similar soul as the NSX. For this video, NSX is the one for me. But if F355 comes into equation, things change. That car has a special mojo imho.
Indeed the Modena is hard to drive, especially the throttle as you said really needs to get used to. A 911 is so much easier to drive in comparison. But but but.... that V8 sound man... an experience itself ;)
And modena is very easy to drive quickly, i think the power steering, unfamiliarity w geaebox ( they shiftvsmooth ss butter one familiar,) and the fact that you just hopped out of a much less powerful car may have gave you slightly neg view of modena. I drove a modena -black on black manual for two months, and after two weeks i was in love. Were u warming these cars/tires up,?
Very interesting comparo. The 360 Modena is in that sweet spot of relative affordability and still analog. I can't help but think the NSX wouldn't be improved with power steering and a quicker rack.
Interestingly, I thought that a quicker rack would help the NSX, but I knew folks that put an S2000 rack in it and it seemed like they didn't feel like it was as good as expected. I never got to drive it, though.
@@robertbcope Interesting. And hey, that's a familiar name! Not sure if you remember me but I'm the dude with the red FD... we've met at some local shows. Small world.
I have owned a ‘91 NSX and ‘00 gated Modena for several years and your review is spot on 100%. The NSX is by far the better car but the Ferrari is by far the more exciting car to drive. It’s the age old question… do you want to be with a wild woman or a good woman? 😮
A good wild woman. A Honda. So much of the wild woman if she gives you siphilis.
And for a lucky few… Why not both 🤷♂️ 😅
Ill take the Ferrari sell that chit and buy nsx, pocket the rest. Win win
The way my mind works - go for the good woman and attempt to make her a little wild 😂
Or in other words, go for the NSX but modify it with say a supercharger, a tune, aftermarket wheels, bigger brakes and coilovers
@@johnmitchell2269 It’s a great idea you have. Science of speed supercharger, better braking, nsx-r springs and dampers and wheels and you are in a real happy place. Don’t need more than that.
Fenton, it was a pleasure you having review my NSX! Amazing how the short gears really change the car. Just a note that the exhaust was from a 95-96 NSX and is a direct bolt on. The 97+ had different piping. I changed it given I wasn’t a fan of the oval tips on the 91-94 models. I also love the stock exhaust as I want to hear the full engine note unobstructed by a noisy exhaust. I briefly had a Comptech exhaust on the car and took it off given it drowned out the engine note. Thanks again for reviewing my car. I’ve driven a F360 many times and it’s quite a driving experience. The engine paired with the Capristo exhaust is the perfect combination.
You've got a beautiful car that should serve you well.
I wanted to say curse you. I have been debating going JDM gear set with the 4.23 final on my 91. I kept trying to tell myself "I don't need it, I don't need it", then this video popped up on my recommendations list. Now I am looking at my budget to get this done, along with any other items I should take care of at that time. Serious though, thanks for loaning your car out for this review.
Yeah man, with the Capristo or Tubi, it becomes an absolute riot. I've had the luck to drive a lot of cool cars, but this period always holds dear to me. Even through the silly bubble lights, the NSX is ridiculously satisfying.
@@Nukem962001 Fenton offered to review my car with the short gear set and Type-R final drive so I took him up on the offer as I didn’t live that far away. The gears do make a difference. it’s money well spent. Car is way more drivable in town and I do find myself driving the car more now than before. I had to wait six months for the parts to finally arrive but the reward was well worth it. Car is definitely more fun to drive now.
Couple of corrections:
The 360 interior is far superior quality wise. That interior doesn't look too bad considering it's a track car. Lovely Daytona seat upgrade.
The "plastics" aren't plastic, they're aluminium. The switch gear obviously is and does get sticky (simple to refurb).
Those are F430 wheels not stock wheels. The stock are the (far prettier) starfish ones and are 18s. 19s actually take away from the true spirit of this car and add more grip. This is a low grip car (for fun purposes). However, putting Super Sport tyres helps make the 18s stick better. 19s take away a LOT of feel.
There were far more than 500 manuals. Probably more like 2-4000 (globally).
The Sport mode button is annoying because it keeps the suspension in crashy mode. This can be modified out to keep it in soft mode (everyone should do this).
The manual gearbox is overrated. These cars are fast and twitchy. Why would anyone NOT want the paddles shift and two hands on the wheel? Also.. You do NOT want to money change a Ferrari. The changes are not great as you see. It isn't a great manual box. Get a later F1 (2002 or later, or put a CS TCU in it) keep on top of it and you'll be fine.
The AC will need regassing. It is plenty cold when the gas is full and the compressor isn't knackered (very common).
In terms of the better sports car? The 360 wins hands down. Few other cars make you feel more alive (windows DOWN the whole time! Wear earplugs! - I'm being serious)
Induction noise on the 360 with the window down slightly was amazing
Short gears like this NSX would go great in a cayman. NSX was 20 years ahead of its time
I would have thought the 355 would have been a closer competitor but this is great too. Don't get rid of your NSX!
Rented a 360 Modena back in 01. Unforgettable car.
I keep saying this but you are doing the reviews / comparisons that every real car guys think about
Maybe a 2000 NSX (NA2) should be compared to the 2000 360. As we know, the NA2 had quite a few improvements over NA1, 6 speed, 3.2L, suspension and brakes.
He smiled a lot more in the Ferrari.
Ex NSX NA1 owner now 5.0 Gallardo owner. I agree with you, it's about the thrill and smile factor, if you get a crazed laugh as well, it's probably the right sort of car :)
He definitely looked like he was having alot more fun in the Ferrari but he seems to be comparing them as daily drivers or something.
Bingo.
He also owns a NSX so it isn’t new to him lol
@@theoriginaltoadnzi love the sound of the Gallardo 5.0
Loved my smooth, refined NSX but it was factory tamed. My Gallardo was raw and untamable. I’ll take the brute every time.
Agreed.
Lamborghini knows excitement. It’s a limitless car. NSX is a limit car.
2:20 Cracked me up man. Just a few hours ago I had to push my NA1 out of the garage and do a 4 point turn because my battery died. XD Have a nice day. :)
I’m 54 yrs old, I always thought that when I was older I would own an NSX…I just can’t justify spending that much money…so, I own a 10th gen Civic Si.
But I still want an NSX.
get hondata/ktuner for it lol
do it! one of my biggest regrets is not taking the plunge on an NSX back in the day when they were trading in the 30k-40ks. now they're out of reach, and they'll just keep getting more expensive
56 here. Can’t justify the cost of an OG NSX so got an S2000.
Only live once.
The Moderna is a work of art. It is one of fav Ferraris when it came out
NSX for me. Just think a 33 year old car so ahead of its time in performance, style and reliability. Awesome driver engagement.. I just love the NSX.
not really. it is about as good as a lotus esprit v8 and that is desgin out of the 1970's...
@@amduser86 lol, shitty lotus not even close
@@amduser86a 1970’s lotus that you time traveled to today with less than 10,000 miles and then then the mirror falls off…
Performance wise? Nah it's reliable and if you enjoy the Hondaness of it then it's style is fine. But the performance is lacking as is the overall excitement of driving it, it looks like an exotic but drives like an accord
@@Carrissvmf Not even close, it was well regarded for it's great handling. The only problem with the nsx is it's slow against the much more powerful cars people always compare it with.
Re the revs dropping between upshifts, instead of slamming the shift so hard, it's a lot more sympathetic to the synchros to shift more gently and smoothly timed and then just put a little blip in on the upshifts, too. You'll feel more in tune with the powertrain, too, rather than forcing it.
Strongly agree, the gated gearbox in the Ferrari’s are well known NOT to be rushed when shifting as if you’re driving a truck. Which is why the auto paddle shift is the better option & in my opinion, better matched with the engine, especially for track days
Blip on the upshift.... another one who misunderstood fast and the furious 😂 there is zero benefit to blipping an upshift, it's for the downshift.
@@ultimaevo77 Afraid it's you who doesn't understand how to shift and likely learned from Fast and Furious if you think there's no benefit to blipping on upshifts. Engines with minimal flywheel effect lose revs very rapidly between shifts including upshifts. So, one option is to try to shift really quickly so the revs don't drop too low before you re-engage the clutch. This is what 'fast and furious' types will do, they'll attempt to speed shift, ramming the shift through really quickly. This is horrible for the synchros. Somebody with a more nuanced, informed and mechanically sympathetic approach will shift at a pace that allows the synchros to mesh more gently and thus put a little blip in to match the revs with road speed in the new gear. Blipping isn't for downshifting. It's not for upshifting. It's for matching engine and road speed on any shift where there will be a mismatch. My hopes aren't high that you'll take this novel information well, as you'll be too busy slamming you shifts in fast and furious style and imagining you know what you're doing!
Been operating manuals a lifetime now. If you properly time your upshifting, forget blipping the throttle. You hardly need to use your clutch, blipping the throttle is only necessary for downshifting.
@@jasonscotta7129 Incorrect. What experience do you have of engines with very little flywheel effect? Evidently none. Like I said, with engines with little to no flywheel effect, you have a choice of ramming through your shfits fast and abusing the synchros or putting in a little blip. On cars with very low flywheel effect, it's typically not a case on blipping on every upshift, but dependent on need and timing. It's all about being mechanically sympathetic to the synchros, as opposed to trying to be like Fast and Furios and speed shift like a prat, smashing through the synchros. That's a horrible, clumsy and crass way to drive. You may have been operating a manuals for a lifetime, but it's clear you still have plenty to learn.
Looooved the way you do it in such a casual manner and how an everyday dude will do it (with normal driving skills), like somebobody else just said it earlier in the comments. You tell your truth, are free in your opinions, views angle are simple but work a treat. Keep going man that is simple brilliant work on the cars lovers youtube business. Blessing from France !
(By the way, my heart goes both ways, because of gran turismo and Ayrton killing it on Suzuka for the press for the NSX and how not to be overwhelmed by the poster i had of the 360 modena back in my young boy room and the way it goes now being a grown man. Tough call so, I guess you summed it up pretty right you need both !)
NA2 1999 typeS of 0→62mph is 4.9sec, 360 Modena is 4.9, 0→400m drag time is 12.9 sec from Car graphic performance data.
1990 NSX of 0→62mph is 5.7 sec.
We can learn the later 3.2 model NSX-S and 360 are the same performance
from these data!
Maybe the NSX 3.2 coupe is 0→62 in 5sec and around 13.2 sec in quarter mile drag time?
I always like your review!
Exactly.👍
Very similar thoughts to how I compare my NSX and my 308. The NSX is technically superior in probably every way possible. But the 308 is much more emotional of a drive, by a huge margin. I'm still not sure which I'd keep if I could only keep one.
Your feedback is so spot on for people that care about driving experience. Would love to see you do more reviews of other popular models to get your take.
Man, this was the kind of review I was looking for on TH-cam. Great work and perfect driving skills. Oh man, real petrol heads do miss manual transmissions joy to up shift and downshift. The NSX is the nice woman and that F355 is the wild one, as mentioned above. Considering Honda being 8 years older, it outshines the Ferrari in every aspect apart from its V8 engin growl...
The NSX has been the pinnacle of Honda, whereas the F355 ain't!
It was the 355 that the NSX was competing with, the Modena was the car that Ferrari brought after Honda made them go back to the drawing board.
Exceptional video, love the commentary and footage!
As an owner myself of both I’d have to disagree. The NSX will always have that special place in my heart, but the Gated 360 for me has been better in every way. Great video though!
are you sure better in every way even in steering feel?
@@terrydu1572 and I do mean EVERY.
LOVE my Rosso Corsa 360, definetly a great car imo but it also is more of an involved car to drive and own. Dont think id ever trade it for anything other than another Ferrari. As far as interior, quality is much better than the NSX. Although, that is a great car as well. To each there own
Great video man! I love this type of stuff. Love the silly 'stop' button on the Ferrari AC controls, and they barely work I might be wrong, but you can't find a solid manual 360 for under $140k. A good one will run 10-20% more than that. At some point, I will grab an NSX - incredible car to drive.
The silver trim on the doors, console, and dash is not plastic. It is actual aluminum.
When I think of exotic sports cars, things like passion, visceral experience, and driving excitement come to mind. Ferrari's embody that, and the 360 Modena is no exception. It's about providing a connection to 80+ years of racing heritage the Italion way. That doesn't include high performing AC, or tactile refinements.
Awesome video, thanks for the comparison, I am actually cross shopping both of these with a 996 turbo, 996 GT3 or V8 Vantage (2009-2017). But for the 360, at this time I could only afford the F1 box, but I could always manual convert later on.
I ended up buying an X-50 package 996 Turbo in Zanzibar red. Cannot wait to take ownership on it :)
He really said Mah-deh-nah, multiple times. When it comes to the Mah-deh-nah's steering feed back perhaps the alignment could use some adjustment. Typically, low caster creates a "loose" feedback. Increase the positive caster and you'll get more "loadup" in the steering on corners.
👩 D🅰️🚫
From how I've heard Italians pronounce it, it's closer to "mah-deh-nah" than "moh-deh-nah"... but I could be wrong
@@Zygrene nah th-cam.com/video/BheMJUJBaTc/w-d-xo.html
Ciao. If you wanted to be pedantic it’s like halfway between Mow and Mah. But the way you said it is close enough for anywhere outside the boot. What’s kind of ugly is when people say Mow DAY Nuh.
Edit: or sometimes people say Mow DEE Nuh. Also ugly.
How do you adjust caster? Is it really adjustable on the Modena?
Dude, I had that same 360 poster as a kid! I’ve thought about that poster a lot but haven’t seen it in 20 years!
I always looked down on the NSX because the specs on paper looked lack luster, BUT then I got the chance to drive a very well kept 91 model and I fell in love.
You are still a young man. Thanks so much for this comparison. Enough for fifty years kind of man.
"The engine is the star of the show" - Exactly as Enzo intended, when you buy a Ferrari you are buying an engine, the body is a bonus.
Fact is the F360 paired with the F1 gearbox is the better car. Manual is to frenetic due to the short gearing.
Firstly great comparo. I think you were pretty spot on. As a pretty seasoned Street car Ferrari driver I knoticed you picked up on the heavy brakes right away, they do this bc the mid engine V8 cars really rotate during braking, take out long term reliability the two engines are apples and oranges ( ive driven a U S. Spec NSX-Full boltons a lot) just for comparison. It might have been helpful to drive them in reverse order. All manual ferraris dont shift smooth the first 30 minutes, all have heavy brakes and all v8's 308'- modetna have heavy trail braking/mid engine neutrality, which was neutered a lil in the NSX imo. I think you 80% got it right. That model/trim ferrari interior is junk, nsx way superior for dailying, although modens are notorious good road cars for being ferrari. On a track, with a real tire, the nsx is obv getting smoked. Ferrari purposely kept all the analog /nvh emotion, where the whole thing w NSX WAS mute it while imitating a 355 tuned for less oversteer. But, great vid snd im a biased 328 owner.
not for nothing but the NSX cockpit is such a more inviting place to be
It took Porsche 35 years before they put Double wishbone suspension in the 992 GT3/GT3 rs. Sadly
Are the wheels on the Ferrari not from the F430? I thought all 360’s had the 5 spokes like on your poster. 🤔 Nice comparison video, and good work on the channel, please keep it up! 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Yeah those are 430 19” wheels
Another nice video, thanks. I suspect your NSX would be much more fun for B roads / canyon driving on smaller wheels like this car. You'll get much more feel, the car will be more nimble and the limit will be more accessible, progressive and fun. It makes such a huge difference. Big wheels and tyres come with so many negatives for this kind of driving, but so many people still bolt them on. Having driven a 360, it was OK, but had a sort of glorified kit car feel.
Careful assembly was not a historical Ferrari thing - they really were an engine in search of a place to put it.
100%. Stock wheels = less grip = more fun
Both cars were far ahead of their time.
I’m not a Ferrari fan but I do prefer it over the NSX. Just based on the sound alone. A lot more involved driving experience. But my R8 V10 manual, that’s the keeper.
Hi Zygrene, thank you so much for your Nsx content! The more you compare your NSX with another cars, the more convincing you can get yourself to like your Nsx for sure, the complete cohesive package I like the way you describe. NSX is my national pride 🇯🇵
Right now I’m happy with my combo of AP1 and S260 exige and wondering if you could convince me to swap S260 with NSX?
This was entertaining to watch! The Japanese 90's supercars are FAR more easier to drive with their power assists and forgiving shift boxes. They have all the creampuff comforts of a "Camry" removing the road experience from the driver. Ferrari is not like that at all. It is a drivers car giving feedback of the road and machine, which I could tell from this video, the driver here is not accustomed! (laughing) 13:31 HERE. This is where all new Ferrari owners get into serious trouble. They expect that "Camry" braking where you barely touch the pedal and they grab. That has never been Ferrari in the braking department. As a new Ferrari driver, you almost have to stand on them, as a contrast. But Ferrari has always been like that. The critique of Ferrari braking comes from the creampuff driver of Japanese comfort cars, going into race-bred Italian sports cars. (wink / smile ) Good video!
Great video. Have never driven a 360 but back in 2003/04 I was considering buying a Ferrari 355 as had always like the shape. I hired one for a weekend trip away and loved the noise and the gated gear change was really sweet to use. It rode well and the handling was impressive though what put me off was the slow steering which lacked feel and the build quality which was not up to German or Japanese standards. I ended up getting a Porsche 996 GT3 which I owned for 12 years and was great fun especially after a few minor mods to the engine and suspension. I wanted to get into track days and I felt the 355 would prove expensive to track. I think Ferrari in later years have upped their game in terms of build quality going by the 458 Speciale I was fortunate to have a ride in.
man...the last shot when the nsx is driving on the side of the road.......STILL looks as modern as the Ferrari and to me looks more unique!
The 360 was actually rather flawed, superb engine but otherwise not great, and rather horrible build quality, the F430 was a major step forward, would like to see you review that someday...
The sound the door of the 360 made when closed, was akin to a C5 Corvette, Eek.
Yeah and the door closing of an F40 sounds not that great but do you judge a car by that? ;)
@@ripptorr if it's a Ferrari, yes!
I’ll take my 86 Buick regal w plush velvet seats vinyl top sweet, but in a crunch I’ll go Modena can’t go wrong V8
I love my nsx. Installed headers and real loud exhaust and the car was much much more fun to drive and listened to because u don’t wanna take your foot off the gas pedal. But I hate that when I go very fast on canyon runs, on sharp turns I feel the front wheel lifting up, but it still gets full traction.
NSX body + Modena sound plz
Excellent review. Thanks for sharing!
NSX or 360? Neither. The right answer is a Gen-1 R8 V10.
The NSX is too subtle... a bit TOO low key, and it's under-powered to be truly thrilling. The 360, well, it has an exciting engine sound, but it falls down in nearly all other ways - including poor Italian engineering, build quality, and quirks at every turn. No less, the 360 just wasn't a special car in any way - just another V8 Ferrari. The NSX, at least, was a revolution at the time - it was Honda's first supercar, and it gave Ferrari a run for its money. The proper comparison would be a 348 or 355.
The R8? Well, that's the best of all worlds. It gave you the build quality of a German luxury manufacturer - head and shoulders above Italians. But it also gave you the excitement of a naturally aspirated V10 revving out to nearly 9k RPM... so, talk about enjoyment and sound. Like the NSX, it was Audi's first supercar, so it immediately held historical significance. Unlike the NSX, the R8's story was a lot deeper, though - carrying the namesake of the R8 LMP1 racecar that took the win 5 out of 6 times it entered Le Mans, there was real racing pedigree in the blood, and that also went for the GT version of the roadcar (LMS Ultra).
The NSX and 360 are both fine cars, but something like the R8 (for similar money) is going to outshine both by a mile.
yea German luxury manufacturers...dream on my man! My brother worked at Honda in the 90s and serviced the nsx and was on the nsx development workshop. After that he worked at Audi for several years and the r8 came out! He said quote: The Audi had so slopy hot glue solutions for fixing the cables in the doorpanel, that the nsx 20 years before the R8 not dare to have.
So you are so blinded if you think german bulshit cars are "PREMIUM"! My brother said, Audi is letting roll of engines in production, where its obvious that the engine has a design flaw and it will have engine failure at about 50000km. Honda or any other japanese MAnufacturer would never ever allow something like that!
The R8 is nice for show off and nothing else!
Two stories in one . . . the improvement in the NSX gearing over stock was immediately evident. That's exciting. The head-to-head comparison, as evidenced by the comments so far, is unlikely to be viewed dispassionately.
add in servicing/life costs?
NSX driving position were terrible for anyone 5’11 above. The steering was so low and heavy. Own it for 2 years back in late 90s.
gated manuals definitely take some time to get used to. I had the same issue with my R8 and friends driving the car for the first time struggle to shift quickly as well.
The NSX really could have benefited more by having a small, flatplane V8. I noticed while driving one a few years ago that the idle seemed unusually rough.(car only had 19k miles) Recently discovered that Honda left out balance shafts to save weight/space. A wider rear end and tire size along with a V8 would have gone a long way with this car. And the 360 wheels are from an F430. Both great cars.
It's a mid engine sports car. Some vibrations are expected
The wheels on the 360 are from the later 430 model.
I remember driving both back to back in 2000/2001 and both the 3.0 and the 3.2 NSX were the better car all day long. I even preferred them to the 993 911 as a car. The Turbo would be faster and, if I'm honest, looks better too but I'd still pick the NSX as the better overall car.
I don't think ppl realize how further ahead of the competition the NSX was when it first came out. I mean, we're talking about a car that effectively was released in 1990 and comparing it to the Ferrari 360 which was released nearly 10 years later!
The 1st time I drove an NSX I was in love in like 30s... I had a 300ZX TT at the time and spent months doing all kinds of math to try and get a NSX instead hahaha then missed the boat a few years later when I could afford them easily and actually enjoy them.
Unfortunately now they've reached a point where they cost so much that it would diminish my driving pleasure due to the pure worry of damaging the NSX somehow.
I’d just blur/black out out the entire console, when driving. You can still tell how fast you’re going. Or it could be determined, by rpm and gear ratios.
Single best mod to this generation nsx is the jdm gearing and final drive.
For this price range, is 981 GT4 relevant? Would like to see a video between this three.
Nsx ❤
I love manual steering only..
That squirrel was about to be a Ferrari sammitch.
KSP Exhaust on the NSX sounds better. Don't forget to make a video when you convert the jdm gears and FD. I'd like to see what parts are required and how it all comes together. cheers
I love this channel. The perspective on the actual driving is a breath of fresh air. However, this dude is absolutely going to lose control of one of these things eventually and it's going to be bad. Watching these videos, it's only a matter of time.
You could of got the more recent Acura nsx like 2000 or 2001 or maybe 2005 nsx for comparison or competition for the 2000 Ferrari 360
Starting the car with the door open and gopro mounted was awesome
Might start doing that in future videos lol
I think it could be a cool 'signature' for you. Lil ASMR splash @@Zygrene
Great video, and pretty much as I would have expected from all the reviews I've read over the years. If we could afford one, all of us would want and have a Ferrari. But at the expense of a near perfectly pitched and resolved super sports car modern classic that's never been improved on, and now, with modern tech, never will be? hmm...probably not. If you could have both, congrats. Obviously you were unfamiliar and cautious with the 360, but it was very visible in the video that you couldn't relax with it and exploit it down that road. It was much more point and squirt. Still wonderful and heaps of fun for sure, but not the completely resolved driving experience of the NSX.
NSX: Better steering, better transmission, better ride/handling and overall chassis balance. Yes, the Ferrari has one of the most exciting motors ever, but the NSX has one of the best also...
Had a 99 NSX and currently have an 03 gated 360. To me the NSX was great, but it’s no Ferrari. The flat plane crank, screaming little V8 has its own vibe for sure.
Find someone with a 93+ Corvette ZR-1 to compare with the NSX. I was caught between the 2 and went with the Z. Mostly because Im an American chauvinist, but also because it was cheaper, and I wanted more horses under the hood. It's a great car with a very raw driving experience, beautiful exhaust note, and cockpit style interior that's hard to match.
There’s just something passionate and romantic about a pre-00 Italian car. You can’t even compare the sound of these two cars. If you want to drive my alfaholics inspired twin spark super, let me know. Glad to connect sometime
Great comparison! I'd love to see if you could compare an 05 NSX to an 05 Porsche boxster S. Both mid engined, 3.2L, 280ish hp, and 3100 lbs. When they were both for sale, I believe the NSX was about $30k more, so I would be interested to see how they stack up with such a large price difference and such similar specifications on paper. The only test I was able to find was with a base 981 boxster, which is down on hp and torque, and doesn't have the same steering feel of a 987.
As an owner of a 987 3.2S I would imagine they might stack up pretty evenly performance wise. One area I think the NSX might certainly win though is the gearbox. I've driven and owned several Hondas and the 987 gearbox is quite clunky by comparison. I would love an NSX myself but as you pointed out the price difference is huge now.
Pretty cool comparison.
The NSX did everything it was desogned to do. Compeye with Supercars but be able to be driven as a daily drivrr and cost almost exactly the same amount in maintenance as an Integra.
FYI, putting a manual transmission car into 1st gear at any speed just over rolling is bad for the transmission. Its not designed to be used thst way, and why so many dont have synchros for 1st gear.
FOMO! Want gearzzz.
Watching you drive the Ferrari was hilarious! LOL That thing is nuts
Both awesome and different just like a Japanese female 2,000 yrs heritage vs Italian female 2,000 yrs heritage. Both are different philosophy and heritage while they are same purpose of having fun, it's unique experience that is special and not really comparable in many ways. We should appreciate for what they are.
We had a 360 convertible for a while. It sounded really good but everything else was sub-par especially the build quality and electronics. It didnt even seem that fast compares to a lightly tuned GTR or Supra at the time.
I just finished watching this review/comparison, and found it interesting. i've not driven an NSX so I have to go by your descriptions. I've driven a number of Ferraris from different vintages, and the older ones I found quite twitchy. Several weeks ago, a friend had me drive his F8, and I absolutely found it a "snoozefest," completely devoid of feel, no steering feel or input whatsoever, and driving the car felt more like driving a Cadillac stretch limousine than an exotic sports car. And the drive by wire throttle was just plain unnerving. I did not like it at all. I have a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera that has a built Cleveland engine with about 500 hp, a gated 5 spd. shifter and enough torque to start the car from a stop in 5th gear. And the noise coming from inches behind your head is monstrous. As you described in the Ferrari, the transmission has to be very deliberately shifted, not too fast, and you have to aim for specific spots in the "fingers" to shift smoothly. But it's very satisfying with a mechanical clickety-clack when you're changing gears. Without power steering, it can be a handful parking or on a track with a lot of technical curves. My 71 year old body can not recover as quickly as when I first got it about 30 years ago. With the very wide tires, and a very heavy clutch, it is a very physical experience but offers thrills everytime it is driven. The F8, on the other hand has taken all the thrill out of the car, so what's the point of owning it other than a status symbol. My friend and Sunday car meet companion sold his NSX about 4 years ago to buy a Pantera after he test drove mine, and he always speaks very highly of his NSX. He has since sold his Pantera after about 4 years and bought a 308 and about two weeks ago an F355. He loves both of them.
I enjoyed your comparison and the way you analyzed them and look forward to future reviews/comparisons. And if you ever want to take the Pantera out and you're in southern Califonria, reach out, and you're welcome to take it out for a weekend.
omg Envy! Enjoy the Pantera as long as you can my friend. One of the sexiest, most beautiful, coolest cars ever, and with 500hp, no doubt an absolute beast to drive. I'm drooling!
If the F8 is like the 458, the steering doesn’t liven up until you’re doing some spirited driving.
@samueldowney2806 if you're ever out in Los Angeles, give me a hollar, and you can take it out for a spin.
@@tedgeldberg6498 Haha! Thank you Ted! Although it's a long way from where I am in NZ! I hope you enjoy many more exciting miles in it!
You never know, stranger things have happened. A close friend of mine is flying to New Zealand from Los Angeles next Thursday for vacation. Offer is always open.@@samueldowney2806
i agree type r gears makes a Huge difference
Good review. I believe the air con is the stop button near the stereo.?
First of all, I appreciate your comparison. I believe you should adjust your driving technique to suit each car's characteristics. The NSX thrives when driven to the rpm limiter, utilizing its full potential, while the Modena benefits from utilizing momentum. The Modena boasts a more powerful engine at lower revs, and its gearbox prefers a smoother handling approach. By adapting your driving style accordingly, you'll derive much more pleasure from both cars.
It's evident that the gearing of the NSX enhances the driving experience significantly. This has always been my main concern with the car. On the track, you rarely reach fifth gear unless you're on demanding circuits like the Nürburgring.
What car? The solution is simple: use a Civic for daily commuting and invest in the 360 Modena. A sports car should provide a challenge and be an extraordinary experience. If driving it were easy, where would the thrill be? The 360 Modena will not only make you a better driver but also make every drive a special event.
Having owned an NSX and driven it on tracks like the Nürburgring and Spa Francorchamps, I can attest to its outstanding quality. However, it never invoked the same nostalgic sentiment as my vintage Alfa 105 GT. I also had a 348, which non-owners often label as challenging to drive, yet even that car brought more smiles on winding roads compared to the NSX. It's not all about speed; it's about the sensations you experience. The gated shift in the Ferrari is exquisite - as long as you're willing to engage with it. A Ferrari will never be a Honda, and there's no need for it to be. No car can do everything. If you seek an all-around daily driver, the NSX is the answer. However, if you want passion in your life, the 360 is it - period.
By the way, the Ferrari is customizable, especially in the suspension department. Comparing stock to stock makes the comparison more fair, even considering the age difference. While the Honda NSX is undoubtedly a wonderful car, a Ferrari transcends being just a car - it's a way of life.
"Heel toe" is ONLY when the car is under braking... Other than that, it isn't heel-toe, it's just blipping and "rev matching" (so many get this wrong!). Heel toe on the public road really isn't that useful because there are very few occasions where you are on full brakes, and that is where heel toe really comes in (it's pretty hard to 50% brake and heel toe without turning it into 100% brakes and it actually being somewhat dangerous).
Bottom line: heel toe is a motorsports / racing technique.
Excellent review!
Good to hear the real talk about the gated manual. Have you driven an F1?
I think F355 has the similar soul as the NSX. For this video, NSX is the one for me. But if F355 comes into equation, things change. That car has a special mojo imho.
Great vid. Just found u & see u have a load more vids 😎 happy days
Awesome vids! Subbed!
Indeed the Modena is hard to drive, especially the throttle as you said really needs to get used to. A 911 is so much easier to drive in comparison. But but but.... that V8 sound man... an experience itself ;)
And modena is very easy to drive quickly, i think the power steering, unfamiliarity w geaebox ( they shiftvsmooth ss butter one familiar,) and the fact that you just hopped out of a much less powerful car may have gave you slightly neg view of modena. I drove a modena -black on black manual for two months, and after two weeks i was in love. Were u warming these cars/tires up,?
sorry, but I'll take the 360, all day long!!!
We driver different I usually never use my brakes and just match rev to down shifting than match rev to power shifting .
Very interesting comparo. The 360 Modena is in that sweet spot of relative affordability and still analog. I can't help but think the NSX wouldn't be improved with power steering and a quicker rack.
Interestingly, I thought that a quicker rack would help the NSX, but I knew folks that put an S2000 rack in it and it seemed like they didn't feel like it was as good as expected. I never got to drive it, though.
@@robertbcope Interesting. And hey, that's a familiar name! Not sure if you remember me but I'm the dude with the red FD... we've met at some local shows. Small world.
Wondering if you have driven a car with the JDM 5spd gear set + the stock final drive
Wondering if I should spring for the R final drive or not
I prefer the induction noise of the NSX but i know that capristo sounds like nothing else from outside
VVIS is "above 5,000 RPM range"... VTEC kicks in at 5,800RMP
" When you buy a Ferrari, you pay for the engine, and i will give the rest of the car free" - Enzo Ferrari
wow, pretty expensive engine then......
Nice review. I wish you were closer to me and could review my Exige against the NSX.
Original match but pertinent! I'll watch it tonight