2009 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 325 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 298 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (116 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2004 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
