1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 21 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | M3 | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
