1999 Acura NSX vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Acura NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Acura NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1999 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Acura NSX | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
