- The C8 Corvette is far more affordable
- The NSX isn’t much faster than the C8
- The C8’s long-term ownership will cost less
- You can take the top off of a C8, but you can’t in an NSX
If you’re in the market for a mid-engine sports car, it’s hard to beat the Chevrolet C8 Corvette. However, when expanding your budget can include the option of buying an Acura NSX, it may seem like a good idea. After all, the NSX has a bit more “supercar prestige” than the C8 does. Despite its performance, the C8 is still regarded by many as “just a Corvette.” In a battle of the C8 Corvette vs Acura NSX, there’s a multitude of reasons to go with the former. Here are four great ones!
The C8 Corvette is far more affordable
2022 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray rear 3/4 | Chevrolet
As Autoevolution is quick to point out, the pricing difference is pretty remarkable.
Of course, the C8 Corvette’s starting price of $60,000 and $69,000 for the convertible and coupe, respectively, is for an absolute base model. Very few people ordering a C8 will spring to go that low. However, even in top trim with the 3LT and Z51 performance packages, a C8 is still around $120,000. Sure, double the starting price is a heft ask. However, a virtually endless combination of available options spans that price range. So, it’s not difficult to land in the middle.
The NSX, on the other hand, has a starting price of $160,000. With options, an NSX can easily reach the $200,000 mark. So, with a pricing difference of $80,000 on the upper end of both cars, it’s hard not to turn toward the cheaper option.
The NSX isn’t much faster than the C8
A 2022 Acura NSX Type S in front of a classic NSX | Acura
The hybrid-assisted powerplant of the Acura NSX is certainly no joke. Its twin-turbo V6 engine combines with three electric motors for a total power output of 573 horsepower. This, combined with the car’s all-wheel drive layout, make it good for a zero to 60 run in just 2.7 seconds.
On the contrary, the C8 Corvette uses a rear-wheel drive layout and a naturally aspirated V8 engine. With the Z51 performance package, the C8 Corvette makes 495 horsepower and can hit 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds.
Outside of straight-line performance, Fastest Laps shows that the NSX and C8 Corvette are very close on just about any race track. However, the NSX does edge out the C8 by a hair in most cases.
The C8’s long-term ownership will cost less
2023 Corvette Z06 LT6 engine | Chevrolet
Chevrolet V8 engines have a long-standing history of being virtually bulletproof. Though first-year models did have some minor recalls involving hood latches and brake system issues, 2021 and newer C8 Corvettes are virtually recall-free. A single recall only affected 22 cars.
In terms of the future, Chevrolet parts are, in general, more affordable and readily available than any imported vehicle’s parts.
Similarly, the NSX currently has no active recalls, according to the NHTSA. However, with a complex hybrid drivetrain and a twin-turbocharger setup, there’s a good chance that the future will hold a bit more costly and complex repairs than C8 Corvette owners will experience.
You can take the top off of a C8, but you can’t in an NSX
2022 C8 Corvette convertible | GM
Some people may prefer the fixed-roof coupe layout. However, if you don’t, even the coupe C8 Corvettes have a removable roof panel so you can let the sun and wind in your hair.
If that isn’t enough for you, full-blown convertible models are available with the C8 Corvette. On the other hand, the NSX offers neither a targa-style roof nor a convertible option.
Ultimately, if you can afford the NSX and your heart is absolutely set on it, then, by all means, make the purchase. After all, it is your money and your decision to make. However, if you’re into saving money without sacrificing much performance and even gaining some benefits, buying a C8 Corvette is absolutely the move!
If you wait it out a bit, you can get the Corvette Z06, too. Likely, the incoming flat-plane V8 powerhouse will outperform the NSX with ease. It’ll probably still be cheaper, too.
In the end, the C8 Corvette vs Acura NSX battle really has no losers.