1990 Honda NSX vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
