2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2012 Opel Insignia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2012 Opel Insignia. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Insignia.
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, 2012 Opel Insignia, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Insignia. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Insignia. 2012 Opel Insignia has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Insignia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2737 mm |
