1996 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Honda NSX
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 240 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2005 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda NSX. (287 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda NSX. 2005 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2005 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
