Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging tools may be configured for situation-dependent NMR logging operations by including two dissimilar coils that may function in four different modes of operation based on logging conditions including: a resistivity of the fluid, a diameter of the wellbore, a depth into the subterranean formation of the volume of investigation, or a combination thereof. For example, an NMR logging tool with a z-coil and a transversal coil may be useful in generating in a volume of investigation of a subterranean formation either (1) a transversal radiofrequency (RF) excitation with the transversal coil or (2) a quadrature RF excitation with both the z-coil and the transversal coil, where the choice of transversal or quadrature RF excitation is based on the logging conditions; and detecting an NMR signal from the subterranean formation with one of: (1) the transversal coil or (2) both the z-coil and the transversal coil.