2003 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1997 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1997 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | M3 | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
