2009 BMW 325 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 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 144 more horse power than 2009 BMW 325. (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 BMW 325. 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, 2009 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
