2005 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
