2009 BMW 320 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
