2006 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
