1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 24 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 44 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (177 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 195 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, 2012 BMW 118 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| 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 | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
