1959 BMW 600 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 600 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 394 more horse power than 1959 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 1105 kg more than 1959 BMW 600. 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 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 600 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 600 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 581 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2761 mm |
