1996 Honda NSX vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1996 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| 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 | 280 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
