2009 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, both 2009 BMW 318 and 2009 BMW M3 were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 266 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
