1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1962 Honda S500
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 713 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. 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 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1962 Honda S500 | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z3 | S500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
