1996 BMW M3 vs. 1959 BMW 700
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 850 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1959 BMW 700 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 700 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 126 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
