2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus 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 183 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2003 Ford Taurus. 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, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus. 2003 Ford Taurus 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. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
