1970 Honda N III vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda N III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda N III would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1970 Honda N III. (31 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda N III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1485 kg more than 1970 Honda N III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 550 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 2012 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Honda N III, 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda N III. (30 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda N III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Honda N III | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | N III | 550 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 354 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2968 mm |
