2002 Acura NSX vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 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 159 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura NSX weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 2002 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 518 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 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 518 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |
