2003 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 130
To start off, 2008 BMW 130 is newer by 5 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 82 more horse power than 2008 BMW 130. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 130. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 130. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 130. (315 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 130.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 130 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 130 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
