2003 BMW 320 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2003 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320. 2003 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 320 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 320 | M3 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3246 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 338 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 365 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1655 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |