1988 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 298 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 270 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
