The second coming of the Acura NSX in 2017 brought about a new perspective in the way that automakers thought when it comes to making an everyday supercar. Just like the first iteration, the new NSX is easy to get in and out of, it’s powerful and comfortable enough for the daily drive, but it’s also a hybrid. The only issue is that it’s priced much higher than ever before.

A few years later, the Chevrolet Corvette made its debut in 2020 and took the automotive world by storm by presenting a mid-engine layout, just like the NSX, and although it has less power, it does cost around $100,000 less. So why would anyone buy an Acura NSX when they could buy a Chevrolet Corvette instead?

Acura NSX vs Chevrolet Corvette

While the Acura NSX and the Chevrolet Corvette aren’t direct competitors, they have enough in common to offer up a viable comparison between the two. Both cars not only look like bonafide supercars, but they also have a mid-engine layout and are even close in size. In fact, the Corvette is around six inches longer than the NSX and its wheelbase is nearly four inches longer. Additionally, the Corvette weighs around 3,400 pounds, while the NSX tips the scale at 3,878 pounds.

Engines and power

The main difference between these two cars is how they make and put down their power. The 2020 Chevy Corvette is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque and is connected to an eight-speed DCT transmission. According to Motortrend’s testing, that kind of power is good for a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds, which is quicker than most exotic cars that cost twice as much.

One such exotic is the Acura NSX, which finds its motivation via a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine that’s connected to a tri-motor setup and a nine-speed DCT transmission. Combined, the setup puts out a staggering 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque and is able to get the car up to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, according to Car and Driver. What’s interesting to note is that the Corvette’s lighter weight seems to help tremendously with its acceleration as compared to the NSX, especially considering the NSX routes power to all four of its wheels.

Pricing

Aside from the performance aspect of both of these cars, the other elephant in the room is the price differential between the two. In its base form, without any special paint or accessories, the 2021 Acura NSX is priced at $159,495 while the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 1LT starts at $59,995. It doesn’t take a mathematician to notice that you could literally buy two Corvettes for the price of one NSX.

Or, if you were really ambitious, you could buy a Corvette and probably a small house in the rural part of Georgia. Either way, it’s clear to see which car is the winner in terms of performance and pricing. So if you’re looking for an exotic car, then check out a Corvette before setting up an appointment with the Acura dealership.