2006 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | M3 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
