2001 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 318 | NSX |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
