2003 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Holden Statesman
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,041 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1981 Holden Statesman. (169 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Statesman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Statesman weights approximately 335 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, 1981 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 1981 Holden Statesman 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. 1981 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1981 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | M3 | Statesman |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
