2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 9 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. (266 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 736 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
