2003 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. 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 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona. 1981 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
