1981 BMW 518 vs. 2007 Honda NSX
To start off, 2007 Honda NSX is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda NSX weights approximately 360 kg more than 1981 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, 2007 Honda NSX (298 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2007 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 518 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2540 mm |
