1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Honda NSX
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1999 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2540 mm |
