2002 Acura NSX vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2002 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2002 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
