1990 Holden Commodore vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1990 Holden Commodore. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1990 Holden Commodore. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Holden Commodore. (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Holden Commodore | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Holden | BMW |
| Model | Commodore | M3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2761 mm |
