1986 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 25 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3. 2011 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2011 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3200 mm |
