2004 BMW 320 vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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, 2004 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
