1972 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Honda NSX
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1998 Honda NSX.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1998 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
