2008 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 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 200 more horse power than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 248 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
