1988 Honda NSX vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 344 kg more than 1988 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, 2010 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda NSX | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1216 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
