1998 Acura NSX vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Acura NSX would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1998 Acura NSX. (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Acura 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, 1998 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
