2008 Honda NSX vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda NSX. (298 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda NSX. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 2008 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda NSX | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
