2008 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,011 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 7 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Chevelle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5011 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
