1996 Acura NSX vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1996 Acura NSX is newer by 6 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, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Acura NSX. (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1996 Acura NSX. 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 850 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2690 mm |
