1974 BMW 518 vs. 2005 Honda NSX
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 245 kg more than 1974 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 2005 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 2005 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 518 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
