Controversial topic: Honda vs Toyota

I'm a long time Honda fan and it will be likely obvious by this post, but I want to suggest how the past may have been rewritten had Porsche called Honda instead of Toyota during the development of the 996. 1. Engine QC - I've seen lots of issues regarding engine quality control which may have been averted had Honda been the consultants on the 996. 2. Carbon lined heads and cylinders on aluminum engines - I've seen lots of cracks, etc from overheating. When Honda went to aluminum engines they used F1 tech to line their heads/engines with carbon to strengthen them. 3. Terrible interior build materials - Honda is known for their cheap, well built interiors. Every time I turn on my blinker in my 996 I think of the cheap blinker in my '93 celica that it came from. I know this will be controversial, and Toyota has already had a significant imprint on our cars, but I can't help thinking how it would be different if Honda was contracted to consult instead of Toyota. Perhaps the 996 wouldn't be the stepchild it is today. Yes, we probably would still be stuck with the odd headlights, but the overall build quality and feel of the interior would be much better. Thoughts, disagreements? 'njoy, awk

Honda had NSX at that time, which was superior car to 996 in almost every way. I would gladly take a de-tuned 996 with Honda V6, J32 series motor. Honda motors run forever, designed for simple maintenance and can survive just fine on walmart fluid diet. Two sports cars Honda built in the last 15 years blew away all of their competitors. NSX and S2000 are still the cult cars with phenomenal reliability and drivability. Late model NSX cars are selling for $50-70k.

But, ultimately, if you are at a bar and someone asks what you drive, you can answer either Honda, Toyota, or Porsche. Now, be certain to answer loud enough to be heard over the cacophony of the bar. Which answer will stir the envy of all those in earshot , cause lesser men to weep, and women to swoon??? I rest my case. You can close this thread now.

Can you elaborate on how Porsche consulted Toyota during the development of the 996? I'm not familiar with the topic. Thanks, Chris

I believe it started late 80's with the 964 and was intended to improve quality and reduce mfg and wtty costs.

nevermind, this could get good but dont want to get banned.

I believe the Japanese were consulted for build techniques and other manufacturing matters to help porsche become more efficient and viable It did start with the 964 I highly doubt though porsche used Japanese input as far as design and/or engineering I stand to be corrected though To answer the initial topic of this thread I think I'd rather have a porsche made by porsche The issues you speaking are highly overblown in my opinion mostly as a result of discussions on Internet forums Toyotas and hondas are engineered to perform totally different tasks than Porsches You cannot compare them Porsche has always designed and built awesome sport cars in the 911

When an auto company merges or is acquired by another, it will eventually lose its identity. Jaguar is the perfect example. I owned an XK8 and an S-Type, all in the 2000's. I always appreciated the Jag history and styling, but at the end of the day, I was driving a Ford.

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....I remember reading something about this as well and what I interpreted is Porsche consulted with Toyota on refining processes to make them more efficient. I stand to be corrected as well but I find it hard to believe Porsche consulted with them on anything to do with engineering. I used to own Honda's; the real cars with double-wishbone suspensions and enjoyed them all both in a driving and build quality sense. With that said I can't criticize the build quality of the 996 as the materials and fit does not disappoint me. I'm sure the build quality of the 996 is vastly different compared to the air-cooled 911's but is this a result of a more automated manufacturing process and perhaps modern (maybe not necessarily better) materials used in today's cars? ....And I agree with Kalishnikov. The Honda NSX is a great car with the intriguing blend of Honda reliability and distinct looks. I was lucky enough to drive two different NSX's when they were in production (I worked for an Acura retailer at the time) and everything about that car was perfect inside out...

^^ if you are upset with the build materials you bought the wrong type of 996. I love my interior and everything seems really nice. My only complaint is that the maple burr interior is pretty fugly but I am resolving that with a bit of paint. I looked at a 360 of similar time and i think the design looks more supercar'ish' than the 996 but I think the leather wrapped dash and color looks better. I do wish I had a gated shifter for use on the streets though :/

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So there's something wrong with Toyota engines then?

Porsche tried fixing all the flaws of the 911 but the hardcore 911 owners/buyers didn't want anything to do with it. Therefore, the 928 ended not replacing the 911.

I love Honda. I loved my S2000. Great car.