2001 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2012 BMW 328. (230 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 328. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 328. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 328.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 328 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
