2008 BMW 320 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 295 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm). This means 2005 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 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
