1998 BMW 320 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 320 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 320 | M3 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 328 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1572 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |