1998 Honda NSX vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 14 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (252 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (177 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1998 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| 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 | 252 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
