2008 BMW M3 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2001 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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
