Arguably, Italy is the country best known for building ultra-exotic automobiles.
Lustily styled, MEGA-performance models from Ferrari and Lamborghini pretty much define the rarified segment they dominate.
But dwellers of that boot-shaped country dangling into the Mediterranean aren’t the only ones that know how to create supercars. Japan and America can make ‘em, too!
And the most exciting exotic to come out of Asia since Nissan’s GT-R is unquestionably the Acura NSX. With aggressive styling, a hybrid drivetrain and tenacious all-wheel-drive traction this low-slung coupe is a worthwhile entry in the segment.
The heart of this car’s drivetrain is a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that’s matched to a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Acura’s clever engineers also snuck three separate electric motors into the mix, two of which power the front wheels.
All told, the NSX is graced with 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. Terminal velocity is estimated at a blistering 191 miles an hour.
Countering this Japanese threat is Ford’s brand-new GT, the latest incarnation of a legendary nameplate that dominated Le Mans in the 1960s.
For the 21st century, this mean machine is constructed largely of carbon fiber composites and aluminum, things that keep mass to a minimum. Curb weight checks in at a respectable though not best-in-class 3,054 pounds.
Like the Acura, this Ford’s powertrain is mounted amidships, though it only spins the rear wheels meaning the GT may have more trouble finding traction than its Asian counterpart. A seven-ratio dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission available.
As for output, this vehicle does not disappoint. Its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers an SAE-certified 647 horsepower with 550 lb-ft of peak torque.
So, that’s a quick look at both of these supercars, but which one would YOU rather own, the NSX or GT? We’ve had the luxury of driving the Acura and it’s pretty amazing; we suspect – but can’t say for sure – that the Ford will also impress. For more information compare these two cars right here, and don’t forget to vote in our poll!
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