1997 BMW 850 vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2010 BMW M3.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW M3. (400 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW M3. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2761 mm |
