1987 BMW 320 vs. 1994 BMW M3
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1987 BMW 320. (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M3 weights approximately 247 kg more than 1987 BMW 320. 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 320 | 1994 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 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 | 70 L | 65 L |
