2009 BMW M3 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. 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 273 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.6 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
