2003 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla 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 156 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (84 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 512 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corolla. 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corolla. 1974 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1974 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2380 mm |
