2003 BMW M3 vs. 1957 Porsche 356
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1957 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 637 kg more than 1957 Porsche 356. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Porsche 356. (120 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1957 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 356 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
