2006 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2002 Opel Vectra. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2002 Opel Vectra. 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, 2002 Opel Vectra, 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 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Vectra. (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
