2002 BMW Z4 vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 2002 BMW Z4 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z4. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z4 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1988 Honda 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, 2002 BMW Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX. 2002 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1988 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW Z4 | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | Z4 | NSX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
