2009 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life 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 385 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 830 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1974 Honda Life | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | M3 | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
