1960 BMW 700 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 45 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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1960 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1960 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 1030 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 BMW 700. (52 Nm). This means 2005 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 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 700 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 337 Nm |
| 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 | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
