2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 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 225 more horse power than 2009 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 BMW 316. 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 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2009 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 11.2 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 | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
