2005 Acura RL vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 2005 Acura RL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura RL (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2005 Acura RL.
Because 1990 BMW 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Acura RL. (353 Nm). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 850 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 52 L |
