1960 BMW 700 vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 BMW 700 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1960 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1960 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 995 kg more than 1960 BMW 700. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 BMW 700 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 700 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
