1990 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Stanza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Stanza would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (87 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Stanza. 1981 Nissan Stanza has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Stanza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
