1972 BMW 3 vs. 2002 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda NSX weights approximately 140 kg more than 1972 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, 2002 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2002 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 93.1 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 | 1270 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
