1986 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 545 kg more than 1986 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, 1974 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1974 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3100 mm |
