2011 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1999 Holden Commodore. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1999 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Holden Commodore. (305 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Holden Commodore. 1999 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW M3 | 1999 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | M3 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1424 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2950 mm |
