1999 BMW 320 vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1999 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1999 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 320 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
