1990 Honda NSX vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1990 Honda NSX. (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1990 Honda NSX. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda NSX. (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda NSX. 1990 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 550 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
