2006 BMW M3 vs. 1951 Buick 40
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1951 Buick 40. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Buick 40. (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1951 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | 40 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 4066 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 104.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3090 mm |
