2009 BMW 118 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2009 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
