2003 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP) has 107 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. (235 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 296 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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am 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. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
