2009 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore 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 299 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
