2007 BMW M3 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2005 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 (366 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2005 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 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 | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
