2003 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 205 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre. 1978 Buick LeSabre 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. 1978 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1978 Buick LeSabre | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | M3 | LeSabre |
Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |