2006 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Hyundai Sonata 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 184 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 94 kg more than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. 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, 2004 Hyundai Sonata, 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) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (255 Nm). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2004 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | M3 | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
