2007 Seat Altea vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Seat Altea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Seat Altea would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2007 Seat Altea. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2007 Seat Altea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Seat Altea, 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Seat Altea. (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Seat Altea.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Seat Altea | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Seat | BMW |
| Model | Altea | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
