2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 118 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 287 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118. 2008 BMW 118 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. 2008 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| 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 | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
