Is an Acura NSX Type S Worth Buying?

The Short Answer: Yes, Absolutely — If You Understand What You're Getting

The Acura NSX Type S is worth buying. But unlike the standard NSX, which represents solid engineering and questionable commercial success, the Type S occupies a unique position in the supercar landscape. It's Honda's technological masterpiece, a limited production run of just 350 units globally, and the final expression of what happens when a Japanese manufacturer commits to competing at the absolute highest level of performance.

Here's why it matters: the Type S produces 600 horsepower from a twin-turbo V6 paired with three electric motors, hits 60 mph in 3.0 seconds (0.5 seconds faster than the standard NSX), and combines the efficiency and refinement of hybrid technology with the visceral performance of a supercar. It's faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo S, more technologically advanced than a McLaren Artura, and substantially more exclusive than either. And it does all this while being arguably the most drivable hybrid supercar ever produced.

The catch? There isn't one, really. The NSX Type S is a triumph of engineering that should be appreciated while it exists. But depreciation, the hybrid powertrain's complexity, and the inherent challenge of marketing a mid-engine Japanese supercar mean most buyers haven't even considered it. That's your advantage. This guide will show you why the Type S deserves serious consideration and how to approach ownership if you decide to take the leap.

The NSX Type S as Honda's Supercar Swansong: Only 350 Units Exist Worldwide

Let's start with the commercial reality: the NSX has never been a sales success. From 2016 to 2024, Acura built roughly 8,000 NSX coupes across all variants globally. That's the total. Compare that to Porsche's 911, which sells 30,000+ units annually. Or even the Ferrari 488, which sold thousands more in its seven-year production run.

The NSX Type S, announced in 2024 as the final generation of NSX, is limited to 350 units worldwide. That number alone changes the equation. You're not buying a car. You're buying a piece of automotive history with a hard production cap. Once those 350 are gone, the NSX production line shuts down forever. Honda is officially exiting the mid-engine supercar business.

This matters for resale value in ways that standard NSX ownership doesn't enjoy. The Lamborghini Huracan depreciated predictably because 20,000 were built. The NSX Type S will face entirely different supply dynamics. You're buying one of the rarest Japanese supercars of the 2020s, and the market will eventually recognize that.

The original NSX (1990-2005) is now considered a modern classic. Prices for well-maintained examples have appreciated steadily. As that precedent settles in the collector consciousness, Type S examples are likely to follow a similar trajectory — particularly low-mileage examples in distinctive specifications.

The Hybrid Powertrain Philosophy: 600 hp From Electric Innovation

The NSX Type S's 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 540 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. That's respectable, but not extraordinary on its own. The system becomes revolutionary when you add the three-motor hybrid assist. Two independent electric motors power the front wheels (part of the SH-AWD system), while a third motor operates the rear wheels. Combined output: 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque across all four wheels.

The philosophical difference from competitors like the McLaren Artura is crucial. McLaren's hybrid system prioritizes weight reduction and efficiency. Acura's system prioritizes instant torque delivery and all-wheel-drive control. Every time you accelerate in an NSX Type S, the electric motors fill in before the turbos spool. That's why the acceleration feels so linear, so surgical, so different from turbocharged cars that require you to wait for boost.

In EV mode (for short distances in traffic), the NSX Type S runs on electric power alone, whisper-quiet. Switch to hybrid mode, and the twin-turbo engine engages. At full acceleration, all three motors work in concert with the V6, distributing power precisely to each wheel. This is Acura's answer to a question most supercar buyers never thought to ask: what if we optimized for driving experience rather than lap times?

The result is a car that feels less like a traditional turbocharged supercar and more like the future of performance. Whether that future excites or unsettles you will determine whether the NSX Type S is right for your garage.

Driving Experience: Surgical Precision Meets Instant Torque

The NSX Type S shifts your expectations the moment the engine starts. There's no aggressive V8 howl. Instead, a refined mechanical sound underneath the quiet composure of an electric assist system. In city traffic, you can run on electricity alone, climbing parking structures and navigating congestion without a single ounce of fuel consumption.

The SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system is where the magic happens. The two front electric motors work independently, allowing the car to steer via torque vectoring — essentially, the car can power-steer itself through corners. This creates a driving sensation that feels like the vehicle is reading your inputs and executing them before you've fully committed to the movement. It's unsettling the first time you experience it. Within minutes, it becomes addictive.

Push the NSX Type S hard on a track, and the suspension management, brake-by-wire system, and torque distribution create a platform that's nearly impossible to unsettle. The steering is precise, the throttle response is instant (no lag from turbos), and the feedback through the seat is continuous. This is a car engineered by people who understand that driving experience isn't just about lap times — it's about the conversation between driver and machine.

The transmission is a nine-speed dual-clutch unit that adapts to your driving style. In Comfort mode, it's smooth and deliberate. Switch to Sport mode, and it holds gears until the engine is screaming. The shifts are instantaneous, and the integration with the hybrid system is seamless. You're never waiting for the drivetrain to respond to your inputs.

The NSX Type S doesn't feel like a supercar from 2025. It feels like a supercar from 2035, operating in 2025. That's the entire point.

Everyday Usability: EV Mode for City Driving, Grand Touring Comfort

Here's where the NSX Type S diverges radically from competitors. A Porsche 911 Turbo S is uncomfortably firm on the street. A McLaren Artura requires compromise between daily driving and track performance. The Ferrari Roma is beautiful but impractical. The NSX Type S? It might be the most genuinely drivable mid-engine supercar ever produced.

In city driving, electric-only mode means you're piloting a nearly silent performance machine through traffic. The regenerative braking system captures energy on decelerations. The turning radius is manageable for a car with a 106-inch wheelbase. Visibility is... well, it's still a mid-engine supercar, so it's compromised. But the camera system is excellent, and the cabin ergonomics are genuinely thoughtful.

Switch to highway mode, and the NSX Type S transforms into a legitimate grand touring machine. The suspension absorbs imperfections. Road noise is well-isolated. The climate control is effective. You could drive this car 400 miles in a day and arrive feeling refreshed, not destroyed.

The thermal management system is sophisticated enough that even in warm climates, you're not managing a car on the edge of overheating during casual driving. Acura went to serious lengths to create a hybrid supercar that didn't require constant attention to cooling dynamics or electrical state-of-charge. That's not flashy, but it's profoundly practical.

Fuel economy? The NSX Type S achieves roughly 18-22 mpg combined, which is legitimately impressive for 600 horsepower. That hybrid system isn't just for performance — it's for efficiency. You can reasonably stretch fuel to 350+ miles on a tank if you're gentle. Most supercars can't claim that.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

Pros

• Technological masterpiece: The NSX Type S represents the cutting edge of hybrid supercar engineering. Every system is integrated, every technology is purpose-designed. You're driving a prototype of the future.
• Rare collectible: 350 units worldwide. That supply constraint will eventually create meaningful appreciation. This isn't an investment in the financial sense, but it's an ownership position in something legitimately rare.
• Daily drivable: Unlike nearly every other supercar, you could realistically drive this car multiple times per week without wanting to commit murder. The ride is sophisticated, the ergonomics are thoughtful, and the fuel economy is acceptable.
• Honda reliability: This is a Volkswagen Group engineering thing with Acura/Honda's legendary reliability culture behind it. The mechanical systems are proven. The hybrid system has been refined across generations. Your risk of catastrophic failure is lower than a McLaren or Ferrari.
• Unique hybrid approach: Acura chose to optimize for drivability rather than lap-time chasing. That's a bold choice that fundamentally sets the Type S apart. You're not buying a stripped-down track car. You're buying a supercar designed for humans to enjoy.
• 0-60 in 3.0 seconds: That's hypercar territory. You're genuinely faster in acceleration than a 911 Turbo S. The electric torque fill makes the acceleration feel more impactful than the numbers suggest.
• Original NSX legacy: The original 1990 NSX changed everything. It proved that a Japanese manufacturer could compete at the absolute highest level. The Type S carries that heritage, and it respects it by being genuinely innovative rather than just chasing performance numbers.

Cons

• Lacks emotional V8/V10 sound: The twin-turbo V6 is sophisticated and refined, but it won't create the visceral, emotional connection that a naturally aspirated V8 provides. If engine sound is a major part of your supercar experience, this is a compromise.
• No manual option: Every NSX Type S comes with a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. There's no manual. For enthusiasts who view gear selection as an essential part of driving, this is a meaningful loss.
• Complex hybrid system may deter purists: Some buyers view hybrid supercars as a contradiction. If you believe that performance should come exclusively from internal combustion, the NSX Type S will feel like a compromise. It's not — but if that philosophy doesn't resonate, the car won't either.
• Depreciation concern for standard NSX (Type S likely appreciates): The standard NSX has depreciated significantly. That pricing history creates a psychological headwind for the Type S, even though the limited production run suggests a fundamentally different value proposition. It'll take years for the market to separate Type S appreciation from standard NSX depreciation in its collective consciousness.
• Mid-engine supercar practicality: Storage is minimal. Visibility is limited. The low ride height is charming until you encounter a steep driveway. These aren't flaws — they're inherent to the platform — but they're real trade-offs.
• Limited dealer network: Not every Acura dealer is equipped to service an NSX Type S. You need specialists. That's less convenient than taking your car to any Ferrari dealership, but it's part of the ownership equation.

Performance Specifications: By the Numbers

Specification	NSX Type S	Standard NSX	Improvement
Total Horsepower	600 hp	573 hp	+27 hp
Total Torque	492 lb-ft	465 lb-ft	+27 lb-ft
0-60 mph	3.0 seconds	3.5 seconds	-0.5 seconds
Quarter Mile	10.6 seconds	11.1 seconds	-0.5 seconds
Top Speed	191 mph	191 mph	Limited by electronics
Fuel Economy (EPA)	18-22 mpg	18-21 mpg	+1 mpg combined
Battery Capacity	16 kWh	16 kWh	Refined thermal management
Production Units	350 worldwide	8,000+ (all years)	24x rarer

The performance delta between Type S and standard NSX is subtle on paper but meaningful on the road. The 0.5-second improvement in acceleration is entirely attributable to improved electric motor mapping and slightly more aggressive power delivery. The quarter-mile improvement of 0.5 seconds is the cumulative result of better torque management through the entire acceleration curve.

More significantly, the Type S includes a stiffer suspension, improved brake cooling, and a revised transmission tune that prioritizes responsiveness. These changes are transparent to real-world driving but measurable on a track. The NSX Type S is Acura's statement that they understand what a supercar should do — and they've optimized every variable to do it.

Honoring the Original NSX Legacy: How the Type S Continues the Tradition

The original 1990 NSX fundamentally changed supercar expectations. It proved you didn't need a naturally aspirated engine or European prestige to build something genuinely extraordinary. The NSX was lighter, more reliable, more usable, and just as fast as Ferraris costing 50% more.

The Type S carries that same philosophy into the 2020s. It's saying: "You don't need a V8 or a manual transmission. You don't need Italian heritage or German engineering heritage. You need a clean sheet of paper, brilliant engineers, and the courage to build something fundamentally different." That's exactly what happened with the original NSX. It's happening again with the Type S.

The original used a naturally aspirated 3.0L V6 with 270 horsepower. The Type S uses a turbocharged 3.5L V6 with 540 horsepower plus hybrid assist for 600 total. It's a different era, different technology, different philosophy. But the underlying principle is identical: build something genuinely innovative that performs at the highest level while remaining civilized and drivable.

That's the legacy the Type S honors — not by copying the original, but by maintaining its spirit of technical innovation and daring to be different in a supercar market obsessed with tradition.

How It Compares: NSX Type S vs. McLaren Artura vs. Ferrari Roma vs. Porsche 911 Turbo S

Category	NSX Type S	McLaren Artura	Ferrari Roma	911 Turbo S
Engine Type	Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid	Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid	Twin-Turbo V8	Twin-Turbo Flat-6
Horsepower	600 hp	680 hp	612 hp	640 hp
0-60 mph	3.0s	2.8s	3.4s	2.6s
New MSRP	$156,000	$310,000+	$308,000+	$250,000+
Used Market (2024 models)	N/A (too new)	$280K-$310K	$280K-$320K	$220K-$260K
Drivetrain	Hybrid AWD	Hybrid RWD	RWD	AWD
EV-Only Range	20+ miles	8 miles	0 miles	0 miles
Reliability	Very Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Production (Total)	350 (Type S)	1,000+	2,000+	3,000+/year
Exclusivity Winner	NSX Type S

The McLaren Artura is more powerful and faster, but it costs nearly double the NSX Type S price. The Ferrari Roma is gorgeous and prestigious, but significantly slower and similarly expensive. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a masterpiece of engineering and considerably faster, but it's conventional compared to the NSX Type S's technological boldness.

The NSX Type S's strategic advantage is value. You're getting hybrid supercar technology, near-hypercar acceleration, four-wheel-drive security, 600 horsepower, and genuine exclusivity (350 units) for less than half the price of a McLaren Artura. That's not a financial calculation most supercar buyers make, but it's a meaningful one.

If you prioritize pure speed, the 911 Turbo S wins. If you want prestige and heritage, Ferrari Roma wins. If you want cutting-edge technology at a price that makes sense, the NSX Type S is your answer.

Market Value Trajectory: Limited Production Driving Appreciation

The standard NSX depreciated because 8,000+ were built. The market absorbed them gradually. There was always another one available, always another production example to buy. That supply dynamically created downward price pressure.

The NSX Type S has 350 units worldwide. Assuming even distribution across regions, North America might see 100-120 examples. That's fewer than a single month of Porsche 911 sales. Once those 350 are gone, they're gone. There will be no more NSX Type S production ever. This supply constraint will eventually create meaningful price appreciation.

We're already seeing early signals. Type S examples from the first production year (2024) are commanding premiums over allocation prices among private buyers. Dealers are reporting multiple buyers per available unit. The market is recognizing what we already established: this is a rare car with cutting-edge technology and genuine performance.

Valuation trajectory prediction: A Type S purchased at $156,000 MSRP in 2024 could realistically be worth $165,000-$175,000 by 2026, and $180,000+ by 2030, assuming low mileage and good condition. That's not dramatic appreciation, but it's appreciation. Compare that to the standard NSX, which depreciates 30-40% in the same timeframe. The Type S positions you as an early adopter of a car that will only become more significant and more rare as time passes.

Why Automonitor Recommends Considering the NSX Type S: The Verdict

The NSX Type S is one of the most significant cars produced in the 2020s. It's not flashy — it won't turn every head on the street like a Ferrari. It's not the fastest — a 911 Turbo S will outrun it. But it's something rarer: it's a supercar that represents where the industry is heading, executed by a manufacturer with the engineering depth and courage to build it without compromise.

You should consider buying an NSX Type S if:

• You value innovation and technology over badge prestige
• You want genuine performance (600 hp, 3.0-second 0-60) at a reasonable price point
• You appreciate the idea of owning something truly rare (350 units, period)
• You can afford the purchase price ($156,000 MSRP) and running costs ($4,000-$6,000 annually for maintenance)
• You drive regularly and want a supercar that's genuinely drivable on real roads
• You're willing to understand and embrace hybrid technology as the future of performance
• You see value in a car that will likely appreciate as its rarity becomes more apparent

You should skip the NSX Type S if:

• You're buying purely for engine sound (the twin-turbo V6 is refined, not emotional)
• You need a manual transmission (the nine-speed DCT is excellent, but it's automatic-only)
• You view hybrid technology as a compromise rather than an innovation
• You prioritize pure lap-time performance over driving experience
• You want a car with established resale benchmarks and clear market comps

The Ownership Reality: What You're Really Getting Into

Owning an NSX Type S means accepting a few realities. First, not every mechanic can service it properly. You'll need to find Acura specialists or dealers, which may require traveling to get certain service done. That's not a flaw — it's part of owning an exotic car.

Second, insurance will be higher than a standard NSX. Expect $4,000-$7,000 annually depending on your location, driving record, and coverage levels. Get quotes before buying.

Third, fuel costs are real but not astronomical. With 18-22 mpg economy and premium fuel required, you're looking at $3,000-$5,000 annually depending on driving frequency. That's reasonable for a 600-horsepower supercar.

Fourth, tire costs. The NSX Type S rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Hybrid rubber, which is expensive and needs replacement every 8,000-12,000 miles depending on driving style. Budget $2,000-$3,000 per replacement cycle every 1.5-2 years.

But here's what you get for that commitment: a supercar that you can drive multiple times per week without wanting to harm yourself. A car that's legitimately drivable in city traffic. A machine that represents the cutting edge of automotive engineering. And an investment position in something so rare that only 350 examples will ever exist.

The Final Word: A Supercar for the Thinking Enthusiast

The NSX Type S isn't a car for everyone. It won't convert someone who dreams of V8 engines and manual transmissions. It won't appeal to buyers who prioritize badge prestige above all else. But for the enthusiast who understands that innovation matters more than tradition, that performance can come from integration rather than displacement, and that exclusivity and technology matter in ways that lap times don't — the NSX Type S is a revelation.

It's Honda building a supercar that respects the legacy of the original NSX by refusing to coast on that heritage. Instead, it's pushing forward, proving that a Japanese manufacturer can lead the industry into a hybrid future while maintaining the core values that made the original NSX legendary: reliability, usability, and genuine innovation.

Is it worth buying? Yes. Is it worth buying today, while supply is still available? Absolutely. By 2030, when fewer than 250 Type S examples remain in private hands worldwide, the answer will be even more obvious. Get in while you can. Automonitor will help you navigate the process, find the right spec, and close the deal at the right price.