2003 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2006 Lancia Thesis is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 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 92 more horse power than 2006 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 273 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, 2006 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2006 Lancia Thesis (306 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2006 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 75 L |
