2011 BMW M3 vs. 2010 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Ford S-Max 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 286 more horse power than 2010 Ford S-Max. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford S-Max weights approximately 88 kg more than 2011 BMW M3.
Because 2011 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 2011 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Ford S-Max, 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Ford S-Max.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW M3 | 2010 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.2 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1424 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
