1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome 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 376 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Because 2009 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Berkeley | BMW |
| Model | Foursome | M3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 63 L |
