Acura NSX Type S

A V6 paired with AWD is an unusual combination in a catalogue of 600 cars, with just 21 examples matching that layout and drivetrain pairing, and only 11 combining a turbocharged V6. The Acura NSX Type S sits in that narrow corner of the market because it takes a different route to performance. The trade is clear: it is not the simplest formula, but the numbers show what that choice buys.

With 600 bhp, 667 Nm of torque and a 0-100 km/h time of 3 seconds, the NSX Type S ranks 112th for acceleration across the full catalogue, faster than 488 cars. Its 307 km/h top speed places it 237th, while its power output ranks 205th. The picture is not one of chasing a single headline figure. Instead, the combination of a turbocharged 3.5 litre V6, AWD and a two seater fixed-head coupé creates a performance profile that sits between outright extremes and more specialised alternatives.

The V6 layout itself is a distinguishing feature in the catalogue, used by 51 of the 600 cars. Add AWD and turbocharging, and the field becomes much smaller. That makes the NSX Type S stand apart from the majority of cars that arrive through more common engineering routes. The decision carries a cost in the numbers too. At £160,000 used, it ranks 225th for price, placing it above 375 cars in the catalogue, and its £267 cost per bhp shows that this is not a purchase based solely on chasing maximum output for the lowest figure.

Acura’s presence in the catalogue is limited to two cars, and the NSX Type S represents a distinct Japanese entry in a collection where 48 cars originate from Japan. Its manufacturer’s country of origin is Japan, and Acura was founded in 1986, placing this car within a relatively small part of the catalogue’s overall landscape.

The NSX Type S occupies an interesting middle ground. It is not the catalogue’s fastest car, most powerful car, or most expensive car, yet its combination of V6, turbocharging and AWD is uncommon enough to make it recognisable among 600 choices. For a garage built around range rather than a single measure of performance, this car brings a configuration few others can match. It sits away from the extremes, but close enough to them to make the balance itself the reason to choose it.