2003 BMW M3 vs. 1978 GMC Suburban
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1978 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Suburban weights approximately 815 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 1978 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC Suburban 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 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 GMC Suburban. 1978 GMC Suburban 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 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1978 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | M3 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3300 mm |
