2009 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac GTO. (365 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac GTO. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | GTO |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
