2009 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 370 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
