2006 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2011 Opel Insignia is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 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 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2011 Opel Insignia. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Opel Insignia.
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, 2011 Opel Insignia, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Opel Insignia. (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Opel Insignia. 2011 Opel Insignia 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. 2011 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Insignia |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 338 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2737 mm |
