2008 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 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 (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2011 BMW 325. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 325.
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, 2011 BMW 325 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
