2008 BMW 320 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 35 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
