2009 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Opel Frontera
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Frontera 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 280 more horse power than 1996 Opel Frontera. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Frontera weights approximately 114 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 1996 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera will offer significantly more control. 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Frontera. (202 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Frontera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1996 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | M3 | Frontera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1639 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
