1988 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,551 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 364 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
