2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 232 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | M3 | 320 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
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 | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 401 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1495 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4624 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1811 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1429 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |