2005 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
