2003 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Buick Estate
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 485 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate. 1979 Buick Estate 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. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1979 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Estate |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
