2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 318
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 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 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 287 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (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 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1993 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 Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
