1988 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 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 73 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 380 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, 2004 BMW 320 (334 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | M3 | 320 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 334 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |