2005 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 320 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 246 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
