2003 Acura NSX vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 2003 Acura NSX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura NSX weights approximately 350 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2003 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2003 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 316 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
