1990 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 682 kg more than 1990 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2011 Nissan Xterra 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. 2011 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
