2006 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,546 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac GTO. (256 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac GTO. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 81 kg more than 2006 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (461 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | GTO |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 6546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
