1988 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 18 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 2006 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 635 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
