2009 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 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 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 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 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1995 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 | 295 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
