1973 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 1988 Honda NSX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Honda NSX (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| 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 | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
