1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac GTO. (370 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac GTO. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 BMW M3.
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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | GTO | M3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6548 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| 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 | 1715 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
