2005 Honda NSX vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda NSX would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2005 Honda NSX. (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2005 Honda 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda NSX. (287 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda NSX. 2005 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda NSX | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | NSX | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| 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 | 240 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
