1998 Honda NSX vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda NSX weights approximately 104 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3. 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, 1998 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
