2002 Acura NSX vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura NSX 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 73 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (176 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 10 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 120 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
