2005 BMW M3 vs. 1968 Opel Diplomat
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1968 Opel Diplomat. (227 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Diplomat.
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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW M3. (337 Nm). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1968 Opel Diplomat | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Diplomat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
