2001 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 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 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 649 kg more than 2001 BMW M3.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
