2009 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Honda S-MX
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 S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda S-MX 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 285 more horse power than 1997 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1997 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1997 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
