2009 BMW 128 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 128 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 BMW 128. (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 128. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2009 BMW 128. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 128. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 128.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 128 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 128 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 63 L |
