2009 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph Vitesse 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 344 more horse power than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 930 kg more than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. 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 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1961 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | BMW | Triumph |
| Model | M3 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
