2003 BMW M3 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
