1961 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1961 Aston Martin DB2. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Aston Martin DB2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1961 Aston Martin DB2. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Aston Martin DB2. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Aston Martin DB2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Aston Martin DB2 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB2 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 63 L |
