2009 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda 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 124 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | NSX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
