2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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 210 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe will offer significantly more control. 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 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
