2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Pontiac GTO. (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Pontiac GTO. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 330 kg more than 2012 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | GTO | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5969 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
