1998 BMW 320 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 8 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 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 250 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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 320 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 320 | M3 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2467 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 281 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |