2009 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1997 Holden Commodore. (225 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 25 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Holden Commodore. (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Holden Commodore. 1997 Holden Commodore 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. 1997 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1997 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | M3 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
