2006 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 5 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2011 BMW 125. (215 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 15 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 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 125. (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 125. 2011 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 125 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
