2009 BMW M3 vs. 1979 BMW 633
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 633. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 633 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 220 more horse power than 1979 BMW 633. (194 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 BMW 633. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW 633 weights approximately 150 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 633. (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 633.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1979 BMW 633 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 633 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
