1999 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 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 274 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 13 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 1999 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
