1996 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 991 kg more than 1996 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, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe (454 Nm) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Tahoe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2471 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 98 L |
