1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | M3 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 414 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 63 L |