2003 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Bentley Continental GTC
To start off, 2011 Bentley Continental GTC is newer by 8 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Bentley Continental GTC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Bentley Continental GTC (600 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Bentley Continental GTC should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Bentley Continental GTC weights approximately 1182 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Bentley Continental GTC is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Bentley Continental GTC 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, 2011 Bentley Continental GTC (750 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Bentley Continental GTC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2011 Bentley Continental GTC 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. 2011 Bentley Continental GTC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2011 Bentley Continental GTC | |
| Make | BMW | Bentley |
| Model | M3 | Continental GTC |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 600 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4803 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2746 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 23.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
