1990 BMW 316 vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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 151 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda NSX weights approximately 136 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 316 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
