2009 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Sunny 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 340 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sunny. 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, 1996 Nissan Sunny, 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 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (132 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1996 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | Sunny |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
