1996 Acura NSX vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1996 Acura 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, 1996 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1996 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 271 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 275 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2830 mm |
