1997 BMW S3 vs. 2011 Land Rover LR4
To start off, 2011 Land Rover LR4 is newer by 14 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Land Rover LR4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Land Rover LR4 (375 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover LR4 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Land Rover LR4 weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Land Rover LR4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW S3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Land Rover LR4 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, 2011 Land Rover LR4 (508 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2011 Land Rover LR4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2011 Land Rover LR4 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. 2011 Land Rover LR4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2011 Land Rover LR4 | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | S3 | LR4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 508 Nm |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2548 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1882 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2885 mm |
