2003 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia 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 66 more horse power than 1997 Kia Potentia. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Potentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 43 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 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia. 1997 Kia Potentia 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. 1997 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1997 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | M3 | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
