2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 6 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 197 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (136 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2012 BMW 116. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 116. (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 116 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| 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 | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
