1996 Honda Accord vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Accord | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 63 L |
