1992 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1992 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
