1990 BMW 316 vs. 2008 Honda NSX

To start off, 2008 Honda NSX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 405 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, 2008 Honda NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2008 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1990 BMW 316 2008 Honda NSX
Make BMW Honda
Model 316 NSX
Year Released 1990 2008
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 1596 cc 2975 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 100 HP 252 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6800 RPM
Torque 141 Nm 284 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 5400 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 10.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1080 kg 1485 kg
Vehicle Length 4330 mm 4430 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1180 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2540 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 70 L