1997 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, both 1997 BMW M3 and 1997 Peugeot 406 were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Peugeot 406. (191 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
Because 1997 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Peugeot 406 (267 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1997 Peugeot 406 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | M3 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
