2009 BMW 120 vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 27 kg more than 1997 Honda 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
Make | BMW | Honda |
Model | 120 | NSX |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3179 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 290 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
Torque | 340 Nm | 304 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 270 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1498 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2540 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |