2006 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 179 more horse power than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (159 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M3 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
