1996 BMW M3 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 213 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
