1988 BMW M3 vs. 1987 BMW 320
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 1 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1987 BMW 320. (189 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 320 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1987 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
