2008 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 3 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 (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (177 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2011 BMW 118. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 118. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
