2009 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Impala 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1972 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Impala |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3100 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
