1990 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1990 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, 2006 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2006 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
