2001 BMW 318 vs. 2007 BMW M3
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2007 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 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 |
