2006 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota Prius 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 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 495 kg more than 2004 Toyota Prius. 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 Toyota Prius, 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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Prius. 2004 Toyota Prius 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. 2004 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2004 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | M3 | Prius |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
