2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Vauxhall Vectra
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Vauxhall Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Vauxhall Vectra would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra. (174 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Vauxhall 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, 2003 Vauxhall 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 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra. (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Vauxhall Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | M3 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
