1971 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Honda S2000
To start off, 2009 Honda S2000 is newer by 38 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda S2000 weights approximately 104 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda S2000. (220 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2009 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
