2002 Noble M12 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Noble M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Noble M12 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2002 Noble M12. (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Noble M12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2002 Noble M12. 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, 2002 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Noble M12 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Noble | BMW |
| Model | M12 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 485 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2761 mm |
