Compare the2022 Acura NSXVS 2021 Polestar 1

Both the NSX and the Polestar 1 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the NSX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Polestar covers the 1. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Polestar 1 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 14 times as many Acura dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the NSX’s warranty.

A nine-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Acura NSX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Polestar 1.

The NSX offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The NSX offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The NSX stops much shorter than the Polestar 1:

For better traction and acceleration, the NSX has larger rear tires than the Polestar 1 (305/30R20 vs. 295/30R21).

The NSX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The front and rear suspension of the NSX uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Polestar 1, which uses torsion bars in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The NSX handles at 1.06 G’s, while the Polestar 1 pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The NSX executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Polestar 1 (23.2 seconds @ .92 average G’s vs. 24.5 seconds @ .83 average G’s).

The Acura NSX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1300 pounds less than the Polestar 1.

The NSX is 3.5 inches shorter than the Polestar 1, making the NSX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The NSX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The NSX has .3 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front legroom and 1.4 inches more front shoulder room than the Polestar 1.

The engine in the NSX is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Polestar 1. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The NSX’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Polestar does not offer a locking feature on the Polestar 1’s standard power windows.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its April 2020 issue and the Acura NSX won out over the Polestar 1.

The NSX was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2017. The Polestar 1 has never been an “All Star.”