2008 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 172 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
