1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Saleen S7
To start off, 2007 Saleen S7 is newer by 19 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 529 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Saleen S7 weights approximately 47 kg more than 1988 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, 2007 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 704 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | BMW | Saleen |
| Model | M3 | S7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 399 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2692 mm |
