2008 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 2002 Opel Vectra. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 152 kg more than 2002 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Opel Vectra, 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Vectra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
