2008 BMW X3 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW X3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
