1996 BMW M3 vs. 1977 BMW 320
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 512 kg more than 1977 BMW 320. 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 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1977 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
