1986 BMW M3 vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 125 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1986 BMW M3. 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, 2010 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
