2000 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 2000 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW M3 (325 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1996 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura RL weights approximately 105 kg more than 2000 BMW M3.
Because 2000 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 2000 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL, 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, 2000 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2000 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura RL. 1996 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW M3 | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | M3 | RL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
