2003 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP) has 142 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 175 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 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 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1997 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
