1997 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 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, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1971 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3100 mm |
