2003 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 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 158 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 230 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 325. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
