2007 BMW 118 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2007 BMW 118 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2007 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 118 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 118 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
