1997 BMW S3 vs. 2005 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2005 Dodge Charger is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,523 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 Dodge Charger. (247 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Charger weights approximately 356 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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, 2005 Dodge Charger (339 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2005 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2005 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2005 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | S3 | Charger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1724 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2930 mm |
