Around 270 horsepower. The classic 3.0-liter V6 with VTEC powering the early NSX is widely cited at this level.
The 3.0 L V6 with VTEC is best known for powering the original Acura NSX, delivering a high-revving character that helped redefine a generation of sports cars. This article lays out the official horsepower figure and notes how it can vary by market and measurement standard.
Engine background
The 3.0 L V6 with VTEC, used in the original NSX, is the C30A powerplant developed by Honda specifically for high-rev performance. The engine’s peak power is most commonly cited as 270 horsepower, achieved at roughly 7,300 rpm, with torque around 210 lb-ft at about 5,300 rpm. These numbers are most often referenced in US-spec documentation, though slight variations can occur in other markets due to different testing standards.
Measurement standards and market variations
Horsepower ratings can differ depending on the testing method (SAE net versus SAE gross) and regional ratings. In the US, the NSX’s 3.0-liter V6 VTEC is typically listed at about 270 hp with roughly 210 lb-ft of torque, while some markets or older literature may show minor deviations.
The main production version of the 3.0 L V6 VTEC appeared in the NSX from 1990 to 1995 (engine code C30A). The 270 hp figure is the standard reference for that variant in most contemporary sources. For comparison, Honda later introduced a 3.2 L V6 for the NSX (producing around 290 hp), marking a power increase alongside displacement growth.
Key horsepower figures
The following figure summarizes the primary rating associated with the 3.0 L V6 VTEC in the NSX lineup. Note the measurement standard caveat and market differences where applicable.
- 1990–1995 Acura NSX (C30A): 270 horsepower at 7,300 rpm; torque ≈ 210 lb-ft at 5,300 rpm. US SAE net figures are the most commonly cited for this variant.
In short, the 3.0 L V6 VTEC delivers about 270 horsepower, a figure that helped establish the NSX’s reputation for high-rev performance. Later NSX generations shifted to a 3.2 L engine with higher output, underscoring Honda/Acura’s continuing emphasis on high-rev, high-performance VTEC engineering.
Summary
The iconic 3.0 V6 VTEC produces roughly 270 horsepower, making it a cornerstone of the original NSX’s performance credentials. For higher output, look to the 3.2 L variant used in later NSX models and other modern Honda/Acura V6 engines.