2007 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW M3 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 225 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 BMW 316. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
