1988 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Honda NSX
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 11 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), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX weights approximately 74 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, 1999 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 60 L |
