1998 BMW 320 vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 15 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 230 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, 2013 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2013 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4618 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1418 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
