2003 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Porsche 924
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 924 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 70 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 924. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 924. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 262 kg more than 1978 Porsche 924. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 924. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 924.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1978 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M3 | 924 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
