2008 BMW M3 vs. 2005 BMW 325
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 325 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2005 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2005 BMW 325. 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2005 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
