1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX 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 53 more horse power than 1996 Honda NSX. (280 HP @ 7300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 23 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda NSX. (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
