1984 BMW 318 vs. 1992 BMW M3
To start off, 1992 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW M3 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 1992 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
