2005 Acura NSX vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 2005 Acura NSX is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura NSX (252 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura NSX weights approximately 182 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. 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, 2005 Acura NSX (285 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm). This means 2005 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura NSX | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | NSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
