2001 Acura RSX vs. 1996 BMW 332
To start off, 2001 Acura RSX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2001 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 304 kg more than 2001 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 332 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 332. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RSX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RSX. 2001 Acura RSX has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura RSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RSX | 1996 BMW 332 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RSX | 332 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1256 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
