2003 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 3,391 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. (160 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 28 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. (271 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1997 Chevrolet Camaro | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Camaro |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
