2009 BMW M3 vs. 1959 BMW 700
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 900 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1959 BMW 700 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 700 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 126 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
