1951 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Aston Martin DB3 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 276 more horse power than 1951 Aston Martin DB3. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Aston Martin DB3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1951 Aston Martin DB3. 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Aston Martin DB3. (243 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Aston Martin DB3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Aston Martin DB3 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1803 mm |
