2007 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 338 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
