2003 Acura NSX vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 Acura NSX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2003 Acura NSX. (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 202 kg more than 2003 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Acura NSX | 1996 BMW M3 | |
Make | Acura | BMW |
Model | NSX | M3 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3169 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 328 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7400 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1632 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |