2002 Acura NSX vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 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 165 more horse power than 2002 Acura NSX. (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2002 Acura 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura NSX. 2002 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | M3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
