2007 BMW 320 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2007 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 320. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
