1997 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Honda Legend
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (178 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Legend weights approximately 118 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
Because 1997 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 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (228 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend. 1988 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1988 Honda Legend | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Legend |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
