2004 BMW M3 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2009 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2004 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, 2009 BMW 330 (410 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
