1978 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2002 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2002 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
