2003 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Celica. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 262 kg more than 1996 Toyota Celica. 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, 1996 Toyota Celica, 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 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Celica. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1996 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 75 L |
