2006 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 Holden Commodore. (225 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1997 Holden Commodore. 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 1997 Holden Commodore 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. 1997 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1997 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | M3 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 4987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2950 mm |
