Originally Posted by
markc
Ary, I'm not entirely sure about the Custom Program and how it relates to the Type S or indeed any NSX that went through the program. My guess is that if as a new buyer you wanted your new car painted in a non standard colour, with a differant colour leather trim or the wood centre console etc it would come through the Custom Program?
My car has Custom Program sill plates but I assumed it was because the original purchaser specified a bunch of non standard "options" which had to be retrofitted or caused the car to be taken off the main production line. Having said that Imola Orange Pearl was a non standard colour option for the JDM 1997/98model year but along with the flat mid blue, and metallic lime green were standard colours (?) for the S/S Zeros.
My supposedly lightweight car has a/c, pas, cruise, tcs, twin airbags and a stereo. (The drivers airbag and cruise are about to go in the skip though). Having said that, most Type R's also seem to have a/c and stereo and the biggest weight savings come from the single pane rear cabin screen (glass) and seats.
Luke, the S Zero differs from the S in that it's spring rates are equivelent to the Type R in firmness, which is roughly 25% stiffer again than the S. They both use the same, thicker, rear anti roll bar. The S is itself roughly 65% stiffer than the standard NA2 NSX. The increased damper rates are even higher, in percentage terms, than these increased spring rates. In all other respects the S and S Zero are the same and follow the R theme ie reduced sound proofing, thin (rubbish) carpet, lighter wheels, lighter spoiler, mesh engine cover. Neither the S or S Zero have shorter final drive ratio's like both the R's do.
I suspect that an S Zero is less likely to have been spec'ed up with options than an S but new buyers in this sort of market are a strange lot. More money than sense you might say! Whitness the number of RS Clubsport Porsches with a/c, stereo etc when really if you need those comforts you wouldn't actually start with an RS Clubsport.
Luke, IMHO the Type R designation has a cache that the Type S will never be able to match and therefore the R's will be more desirable and sought after.
Which is best is entirely upto your requirements. The S, S Zero and both R's are all likely to be too firm, loud, basic and uncomfortable for the majority of drivers, at least as roadcars. The standard NSX hits such a sweet spot as a roadcar that the tougher, harder versions probably make them worse cars for most people. Best to have one of each :-))
Simon, is the DVD in English? Might have to get me a copy but only if I can understand what they're saying :-)
Cheers
Mark