2001 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 BMW M3 (502 Nm) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 2001 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 1980 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | M3 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1890 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
