2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 330
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 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 330 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 186 more horse power than 2008 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 330.
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, 2008 BMW 330 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2008 BMW 330 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 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
