2008 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 60 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1974 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Impala |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3100 mm |
