2002 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. 2002 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Impala | M3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 63 L |
