2003 BMW M3 vs. 1999 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 318 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 202 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 13 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 1999 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1999 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
