2009 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 625 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M3 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3080 mm |
