1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | BMW |
| Model | Sapphire | M3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2761 mm |
