2003 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Vauxhall Belmont
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Vauxhall Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Vauxhall Belmont 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 268 more horse power than 1988 Vauxhall Belmont. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Vauxhall Belmont. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1988 Vauxhall Belmont. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Vauxhall Belmont, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Vauxhall Belmont. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Vauxhall Belmont. 1988 Vauxhall Belmont 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. 1988 Vauxhall Belmont will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1988 Vauxhall Belmont | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | M3 | Belmont |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
