2009 BMW 135 vs. 1998 BMW M
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 BMW 135. (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1998 BMW M.
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 135 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1998 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 135 | M |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.6 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 51 L |
