2009 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Acura TL
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Acura TL 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 188 more horse power than 1999 Acura TL. (226 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura TL weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 1999 Acura TL, 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Acura TL. 1999 Acura TL 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. 1999 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1999 Acura TL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | M3 | TL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
