2005 BMW 330 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 330 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2005 BMW 330. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 BMW 330. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 330. 2005 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
