1998 Acura NSX vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1998 Acura NSX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura NSX (291 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520.
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, 1998 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Acura NSX | 1981 BMW 520 | |
Make | Acura | BMW |
Model | NSX | 520 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 291 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
Top Speed | 268 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |