1997 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2007 Land Rover Defender is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. 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 120 more horse power than 2007 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 755 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
Because 2007 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 2007 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 2007 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | M3 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 9 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
