1998 Honda NSX vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 64 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
