2003 BMW M3 vs. 2008 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2008 TVR Chimaera is newer by 5 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2008 TVR Chimaera. (281 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 TVR Chimaera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 TVR Chimaera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 TVR Chimaera (390 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2008 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | M3 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 257 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| 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 | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
