Thanks for reviewing my vehicle! I’m glad someone was able to push her beyond the limits. Still need some time to get use to the power. Again the last sporty car I owned was a 2000 civic si. 😝
Nice ride! I love the blue seatbelts they are a nice touch. I have a gts 4.0 due to come in next month. It’s sitting at Emden right now! Could you drop a link to where you got the aftermarket filter for your 718? I can’t get over the sound of it in this video.
Great synthesis of the GTS 4.0 experience. I agree that the GT4 isn’t as playful as the GTS. Even the GTS is quite a serious, buttoned-down machine. Just added an Evora 400 to my garage and was cross-shopping with 981 Cayman GT4 and 718 GTS 4.0. The Evora is much more connected and fun when driving below 9/10 (just like your NSX), but the 718 chassis and mechanical grip dynamics are so sublime, and controllable, at the limit. So cool to hear about your tasteful NSX build! Good use of restraint. I like your approach. The GTS 4.0 remains on my list to own because I just can’t forget how good it was on Porsche’s small test circuit above 8/10. A real driver’s delight. Thanks for a great video. Keep up the quality content!
I just drove the gts at the porsche experience. It's ridiculously fun and insanely grippy, fun and precise. Insane machine. Still prefer my e82 though. Confirmed it the next weekend in angeles crest.
Great Review! I like how you got in the GTS and were immediately confident, driving a lot more aggressively, and enjoying the ride instantly. Those are great signs of a great car. Nice review.
Thank you for the review. Great job. I share the Same goals with my Nsx. Stay true to the ethos of the original design but use modern parts that would have likely been considered if the car were built today
amazing video as always, honestly my favorite car channel atm. would love to see you drive a modified fk8, ill let you drive mine if i ever get out there!
Don't be so hard on yourself with NSX modifications. Your updates are incredibly so. Technology has come a long way in 30 years. Both beautiful rides; scintillating review, as always!
Was excited to see this one, thanks for letting us hear both cars' motors sing! I myself would lean towards the Cayman GTS as a newer, "perfect out of the box" car, but man that NSX is such a gorgeous car. I have a 90's SW20 Turbo so I can appreciate the love for the 90's (the era of the best looking cars imho) but as they are getting older (and I am too) I can feel the enthusiasm to wrench and maintain them constantly is waning for me personally. I love driving more than wrenching and I would rather have a newer more reliable car that's still wonderful to drive. But if you can have both, the 90's car is always going to be far more personally rewarding to own and show off at vintage car meets, classic car rallies, cars & coffee. A Porsche is nice but they'll be a dime a dozen there.
Well said. AW11 SC owner here, and in literally coming from a cars and coffee event and my car got so much attention compared to the slough of Porsches that showed up. 80-90's JDM FTW
My 981 Spyder stops folks in their tracks, it’s a babe magnet 🧲Only 2450 were made and only in 2016. There’s about 850 are here in the US. You won’t ever see one on the road most likely.
@@BRAINFxck10 buy a faster car lol it’s still gonna be slow to the day standards regardless of the supercharger why not just leave it alone ruining a classic
@@johnmitchell2269don't get me wrong those cars are incredible machines in their own right, but if I had to choose a car that I could daily and take to an occa track day the GTS for me would be the absolute sweet spot.
31 years is a lifetime in terms of engine management and driver assist tech. Less baring on the fundamental suspension design geometry. Given the mods done to his NSX, Fenton's review/comparison is exactly what I would have imagined. With it's steering rack conversion, modern Garret turbo and new exhaust, I'd love to see (purely on performance level) how my 1,900lb 2.0L 400hp 510 would stack up.
That's why I bought my 2014 Cayman S, modern day NSX. Lots of aluminum, variable valve timing, mid engine, and NA power. My 3.4 is closer comparison to the NSX, the 4.0 should blow it away.
NA1 NSX Vs 982 GTS 4.0 … tough call. Both are really great cars. I think you really nailed in on the “70 percent” (or say call it 50-80pct) comment on the NSX. I feel that the Honda TypeRs and NSX from the 90s really nailed that range. They are just so fun to drive that I end up forgetting why / where I am driving to, as I would just get so focused on driving and enjoying those cars. It’s just so amazing how Honda made this … and 30years+ later these Hondas are still used as benchmarks for these newer cars (and still holds its ground). Meanwhile, Porsche also makes really great cars. It feels like they picked up the baton on where the NSX left off in 2005, while having to satisfy all the new emissions and safety standards. To me, there were no “new” or “second generation” NSX from Honda/Acura; the NSX has ended its production in 2005.
I have a 2023 718 4.0 GTS....amazing car. But... I have always loved the NSX. Unfortunately...I could never afford the NSX in my earlier years. Now...the NSX has gone over to supercar...still can't afford!!!!
Great review, thx! I have the 718 Spyder with the manual and even with the torque it has, I still find the gearing too tall. It takes a bit of time to hit the power band when rolling at 60 kph in 2nd gear. I’ll probably go for the shorter gearing from DeMan. Lastly, I’m not a fan of convertibles but this Spyder with the top down is an amazing experience.
I love the GTS configuration, nice low spec with well thought out attention to details (i.e. black brake calipers). And the blacked out trim pieces on the steering wheel; a real hassle to replace.
I'm a humble novice driver, never been to a track day, etc. but many miles of manual driving experience and lots of different cars. Here is my take: My father owns a 2006 Boxster S manual and I driven it back to back in a canyon with an S2000 (6/10's on both, neither are my car) and I was not that impressed with the S2000 shifter to be honest. The Boxster shifter although a longer throw is just much more "solid" feeling -- almost overbuilt for that amount of 280hp powertrain. It has a tiny bit more side to slide slop than the higher mileage S2000 I drove but this can be replaced with a few hundred $ in Porsche OEM plastic bushings. While a 2006 Boxster S is no 2022 GTS 4.0, I think you can get a bit of that OG NSX flavor by getting one of these older cars. Ultimately it's going to be a lot more refined than the older NSX and S2000. I'd argue that the average person pushing 7 or 8/10's in the canyon would get more out of the older Porsche's than the newer GTS 4.0 which is getting into that "actually fast" territory.
Owned a 94 manual NSX JDM car which had the short ratio gear box with type s shift mechanism with non eps rack for 12 years. The shorter gearing really does help in the twisties. Had a recent TD in the Cayman GTS 4.0 as a potential replacement. The engine is a peach and the car is very well planted. The steering wheel feedback is pretty numb but as you say reacts well on movement. I felt the car was almost too clinical as it does everything well. There was no sense of engagement or satisfaction when you are on it in the NSX.
The GTS is obviously a better car. 15 years of engineering improvements is hard to overcome. But the NSX is the one I'd rather open my garage door and see.
The advantage of the 2.5L is that it's already turbo from the factory and very easily tuned for a lot more power. There are quite a few people running around with 450-550hp 2.0-2.5L Caymans now. That combined with the PDK isn't likely to give the old school driver enjoyment of a manual and NA flat 6, but it's going to be significantly faster and quite fun in its own way.
How did the driving experience compare to the 981 GTS PDK Boxster you drove a few months ago? I know the the 981 sounds better, as the 781 4.0 engine is a bit more muted. But did the overall package, handling and extra HP/TQ make up for it? I hear the steering on the 718 is better vs. the 981. 981 GTS Caymans with a Manual are still trending in the mid/higher 60s USD although prices have softened. 718 GTS 4.0 prices are trending at $25-30$k more, close to a used 981 GT4 money right now. Hard to justify the premium of the 4.0, but the 718 GTS 4.0 will be a great value if they ever get below $70K. Great review! Really enjoyed this one.
With just an upgraded air filter, the 718 4.0 engine sounds just as good, maybe even better than the 981 Spyder engine. The induction note is outrageous. Steering in the 718 is definitely a little bit better. I have very few complaints with the driving dynamics.
There’s a reason why people pay this kind of money for porsche products. They are almost without equal. Especially for daily usability. The 4.0 engine is best enjoyed with the top down. Having previously owned a 718 Spyder, I will say it is by far, one of the greatest top down experiences ever created. Especially with a manual transmission. Something to note also, the gt4 and Spyder will come with 295 section rears versus 265 on the gts. So the limits or grip are higher. The Spyder already feels sucked down to the ground but with sport chassis on, it feels like Velcro on the road. Currently have a 4S now but man I think about that car regularly lol. Great review!
@@ArPatterson73 I’ve driven an s2k a decade ago. Had a 718 Spyder and that I drove on the limit. Exhilarating. Now a carrera 4S. Not the same symphony of the 4L but still pretty darn good ;)
this is what youtube is great for, being able to share niche experiences that not all of us have the access to in our everyday lives. These two cars share the top spot for my dream car, great video with lots of info, keep it coming.
Both are incredible cars but my preference is the NSX. Modern Porsches(Spyder/GT4/GT3/Turbo) are easy to drive fast, and has the electronics to help you at the limit. The 991 GT3 feels balanced even being a RR. The GT4 grips even with MacPherson suspensions in all 4 corners. They just help the driver to be fast. While the NSX is old and not as fast, it has the chassis balance (vs 911s), right suspension setup (vs 718s), interesting engine, and the impeccable feedback to driver. The NSX makes you work, while rewarding you for doing the right things. That's more fun than just being fast.
You’re wrong about the struts being better than the A arms in the 718 Spyder and GT4. Both the GT3 and GT4 use A arms. Just plain wrong, and I have the struts in my 981 Spyder.
My dude it starting to drive too hard on the street. I love these videos as much as the next guy but from afar you can tell this California "canyon" thing is maybe a little too insular for it's own good.
Fantastic review. You definitely looked like you were having a blast in the GTS. Really enjoyed this one and the auditory heaven both cars were. My ears really fell in love with both. Alls you really need to ask is which one puts that smile on your face. And in this case they both do! Can’t wait for your GT4 video!
The 4.0 power band is meatier than you expect, especially if you’ve driven the 3.8 in the 981 GT4. I was surprised by how torquey the mid range was. The shorter 2-5 would still make the car even better, and more urgent in every scenario. Just not sure I’d feel it’s necessary or worth the $10K+. That was my impression.
Thanks for this review. I have a 2022 BGTS4.0 with a Kline exhaust. I love it. It’s only my second sports car, after an ND1 Miata that I loved but didn’t fit in properly. I spec’d the BGTS to keep it forever, but I sometimes wonder if I should consider other cars. Reviews like this make me think I should stick with what I have.
I was actually shopping for a Miata and could not fit comfortably I’m 6”1’. I ended up paying way too much for a Cayman. For me it’s likely a forever car due to the EV takeover. Wish it didn’t have to be that way.
I have a 718 Boxster Base and I also was really turned off by the 4 cyl when it first came to be, but now that I've had it for 3.5 yrs I'm totally fine with it...and the 4 cyl will absolutely destroy the 2.7 flat 6 that was in the 2013 I traded for it. The flat 6 sounded really good, but I didn't like that I was driving a Porsche that couldn't keep up with a v6 Camaro. The 4 cyl doesn't sound great but it is freaking quick.
Now that I've finished your video....the GTS 4.0 blows a LOT of other cars out of the water. It's what mid-engine Porsche fans have wanted for 20 years, finally give the platform the power it deserves.
Great review, as usual! BTW, Honda fixed some of the issues with the NA1 with mods to the NA2, steering, suspension, brakes, 6-speed, .2 L higher displacement. It would be great if you could compare your NA1 with a comparably modified NA2. Thanks.
I've yet to review a properly modified NA2 and I've never even sat in an 02+ model. Definitely something I want to experience when I get a chance. That said, both times I drove an NSX with power steering I left pretty disappointed.
I have a Boxster GTS 4.0 6MT, previously had a Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK. Tracked the Cayman and it was phenomenal, but lacked engagement on the street without a manual. Got the chance to drive a NSX on Highway 9, really great car. But I don't think I could live with a car that old, lacking the modern features the Porsche has. Equal price it's the 718 for me.
Good comparison however I think the better comparison would be NSX vs, 2006 cayman S. Both manual, both mid six but also both hydraulic steering. Plus the 987 has shorter ratios than the 718 and the power is basically the same.
I bought a barely used 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, in a relatively rare color, last July. She is such a beautifully handling car and puts a huge, natural grin on my face whenever I take her out. She's my daily and I love every minute behind the wheel. Great comparison series and I truly enjoyed this one. Cheers
I’ve driven a Gen 1 NSX. It’s a wonderful drive. MT, seating position, steering feel, and field of view are all much better than a GTS. Overall I love the GTS better. The 4.0 engine, ride quality, braking, and handling more than make up for its imperfections in steering feel and field of view. That why I bought it in the Boxster version as the 25th anniversary. It’s more competent and comfortable than my M2 Comp in the canyons and GT touring duties, but less fun than my S/C S2000 on the track. So it’s sits in the middle. A GT4 might fill this gap better. In the end I would love to own a Gen 1 NSX at some point. The challenge is finding a clean one that’s affordable and less money than a 981 GT4.
This is the review I’ve been waiting for! I owned a lightly modified 91 NSX from 1997-2004 and loved it. Lots of track weekends. I miss it still. After owning several BMW M cars that I truly enjoy, I’m considering the reincarnation of my NSX memories with a Cayman GTS 4.0. I think that’s the sweet spot for a weekend car vs. the hardcore GT4, so thanks for your comment. The time has to be soon, since they go out of production next year and allocations to order a new one are very tight. Thank you for adding helpful information for my decision.
I know looks are subjective, and I think that's the best-looking Cayman yet, but IMO it still looks awful compared to the NSX. The interior, especially (those HVAC vents!), is a train wreck in comparison to the elegant swoop of the NSX up and around the driver. To me, the NSX is not just about the drive, but the overall experience. The outward panoramic view and feel that you should be able to see your toes out the windshield is just unmatched and worth the price of admission (although I'd say, given my recent purchase experience, I'm happy to have bought an 85K-mile car for about 70% of the $90K you mention). I agree second gear is kind of stupid and would love the JDM gear set. And I agree that a supercharger really disrupts the experience; all you hear is whine in your ear (not to say the extra power is bad). I did Pride headers in addition to the exhaust, and that was a super noticeable bump in power. Honestly I'd make that your next priority if you haven't done it. I swapped out to the S2K ABS and rebuilt all the calipers and have zero complaints about the brake feel/performance on the street.
Fenton, I love the nsx. Dont ever sell that car. Go for the 5 speed jdm gearset if possible! I really think you would regret selling it in the long run if you did. That kind of car is never coming back
Awesome review…The NSX has done its job to dethrone the Italian and even the Porsche back in its day. But time is leaving everyone behind no matter what !!! 👍👍👍
For me, it would be the GTS. Currently, both Lotus and Porsche have my deposits for an Emira and GTS Boxster, respectively. The first one becoming available will be my pick, as skipping an allocation with only 2-3 years of internal combustion engine production left would be foolish; you never know if you'll get the other. And I sure hope it's the GTS allocation that arrives first!
Great review and channel. Sounds like it’s time to list the NSX and pickup a Cayman GTS. Had a 2021 Cayman GTS and lived that car. Sold as I ordered a 2022 718 Spyder.
You may want to contact Shad at Driving Ambition in Sacramento. I had JDM short gears and R&P installed along with a new clutch. Took six months to get the parts but WOW what a difference. The supply chain may have improved and the parts possibly more readily available. The cost was very reasonable. I'm glad I went with the gears. No regrets. Best money spent on this car.
I know you’re a hardcore Honda guy like me, this makes me really appreciate your honesty admitting that this Cayman is superior to the legendary NSX. I agree with you, the gear ratios would completely transform your car!
I have the m340i , looking at is500 launch edition. Not sure rear seats but small ,rear wheel drive i live in Canada snow is normal here winter . But there is a snow button how that works not sure .Bmw scary after warranty, and these Bmw dealers very tough to get satisfaction ,they have an answer for everything , 2000 klm on the is500 at dealer might flip the Bmw,seriously considering it .
You've got great taste in cars. You can't beat the combination of a high revving normally aspirated engine with a great soundtrack and a slick manual gearbox. I didn't realise the NSX didn't have power steering.
I'm glad you decided to modify your NSX. I think there is less of a stigma behind modifying a Japanese car, albeit a NSX, than a classic Porsche. I have a well modified Cayman, but I can imagine some Porsche purists being upset if I had modified a 911. At the end of the day you bought a car which is meant to be driven, so why not make that experience better by removing some of the compliance?
Great video as always. Would you give us an idea of the balance and feel of a Gts 4.0 compared with older Gt3s (like a 996.2 or a 997.1). Thanks in advance!
GTS 4.0 has far better balance than 996/997 GT3, but can't touch the older cars in steering feel and rawness. For a "compromise" car, it's one of the best I ever driven.
Fantastic review and parallels my thoughts on the NSX vs 718 GTS Can't wait to have you compare my M2CS manual with my incoming Emira, which I feel is somewhat an NSX spiritual successor. Might be able to convince Terry to compare against his Turbo 4 Cayman GTS as well!
Is there a way to change the steering feel in the GTS 4.0 making it similar to an older NSX feel & touch. Is it even worth it to change it? Also would conversion to shorter gear ratios 2-5 cause the mpg to drop drastically? I’m currently getting 17.0mpg in my GTS 4.0 with mixed local/highway/b-roads spirited driving.
Doubt it. Very hard to make an EPS feel like a manual rack. Adding camber, caster, and stickier tires can help but it'll never feel as raw as a proper manual rack.
I love all of your reviews, but something about this one felt next level. I felt as if I’d driven both your NSX and the GTS 4.0 by the end of the video. Great job.
My 95 nsx has the JDM gearing, Comptech Headers, Exhaust and Air Box & it does transform the driving experience..I’ve contemplated the CT supercharged NSX & I’m keenly aware of how positive the majority love the added power..perhaps some day…
Nice car and good comparison. I agree that Honda should have done a different thing in 2017 rather than that hybrid "NSX" that they made. Or at least call it something else because it's not an NSX. I have a pristine 1996 NSX-T. I added a K&H air filter and Comptech supercharger and exhaust. I highly recommend that. That added plenty of pop and doesn't overstress the engine. As for the "modern" NSX, I just bought a Lotus Evora GT.
“New Sportscar eXperiment” is exactly what a hybrid twin turbo v6 AWD sportscar is. .. the 90’s generation of sports cars is gone and passed, and what was new and experimental in 1989 wasn’t in 2016.
@@Zygrene Why don't you want to supercharge it? Comptech makes it just for the NSX so it won't stress the engine and it will give you at least 50 HP more. I noticed a big difference in mine when I did it, and you have a better, more raw, NSX than I have. Actually, the reason I have an NSX is because a person I just happened to meet back in 1998 had a 1991 NSX and he took me for a ride. That was all I needed, lol
Ignore the money side of this (pretend you could get one of these for free) Cayman 4.0 GTS manual Cayman 2.5 boxer four turbo (manual) Evora 400 manual NA2 NSX (3.2, 6 Speed manual) V8 Audi R8 manual Which one would you go for? I'm asking because I'd find it really hard to pick one from this selection.
Newer is usually better, ot sure why ppl Are glorifying these old Cars, yes ive owner and driven some of them and the honeymoon doesnt last Long, at least they are reliable.
@@Zygrene yea i know some ppl feel That way, my brother has a rx7, my old s2k and an evo he claims he doesnt even have to drive jusr by lookong at them its a honeymoon lol to each their own but modifying a classic doesnt make sense.. want something faster well buy something faster not to mention resale value if u sell it usually go down if irs not stock. Like i said i just dont get the whole buying old ass cars lol
@@gigi9467 "modifying a classic car doesn't make sense" wow you're very ignorant, resto-mods are huge rn because modern cars have too much tech, numb feeling, artificial connection, distracting screens, overweight, poor visibility, lack of manual transmissions, engines covered in plastic, restrictive ECU's, limited aftermarket support, the list goes on and on..
@@BRAINFxck10 the question again since maybe ur a lil retard and cant read but the question again is why are you modifying it is it to go fast or just for the experience of modifying, resto mod are a whole different story, I’m talking about old sports cars here so stick to the topic
I bought one of these NSX models back in the 1990’s and the issue I had was the clutch pedal that was very grabby and hard to launch the car smoothly. Also the NSX cockpit was too tight for a larger guy. And less than 300 hp is the real problem. They advertised 299 hp - and this made it hard to sell such that I actually got $20,000 off msrp brand new. The GTS is a faster and easier to shift and rides better. The NSX is simply an old car.
Any plans for weight reduction on the NSX? Poor man's Type R... Edit: further weight reduction, I should say. I imagine you're already saving some with the exhaust and steering wheel, maybe the coilovers and brakes as well...
Eventually I'll get aftermarket seats, but that's about it for weight reduction. Probably won't get full buckets since my back can't handle that **** anymore 😔
@@Zygrene i swapped a recaro pole position classic ABE in my NSX, and its surprisingly comfortable but it is all in how you tune your suspension so it all works in harmony to not shatter the spine :) anything is a rock though compared to those plush OEM seats!
If you want more performance with weight reduction, get lightweight forged wheels. Rotating weight matters more than anything. But you’re gonna cry when you scrape a curb 😢
