Car comparison

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8vsBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW M3 (E90)

4.0 V8

420 hp3999 ccGasolineRWDDual-clutchNaturally aspiratedSedan2008-2008
VS

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1995-1999

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.7 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    420 hp
    313 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    258 hp/t
    193 kW/t
    3.9 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    450 L
  • Best overall score
    74/100
  • Best performance score
    74/100
  • Best practicality score
    73/100

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.0 L/100 km
    21.4 mpg US
    25.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.9 L/100 km
    13.9 mpg US
    16.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    564 km
    350 mi
  • Best economy score
    77/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
420hp313kW
321hp239kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
1,625kg3,583lb
1,460kg3,219lb
Gross weight
2,150kg4,740lb
1,950kg4,299lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
55.5s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
71.1s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.7s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
15.3s
18.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.5s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17L/100 km13.8mpg US16.6mpg UK
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.7s
Calculated
13.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
258hp/t193kW/t117hp/1000 lb
Calculated
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
246Nm/t165lb-ft/ton
Calculated
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
529km329mi
Calculated
564km350mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,999cc244cu in
3,201cc195cu in
Length
4,580mm180in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,817mm72in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,447mm57in
1,335mm53in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,540mm61in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,539mm61in
1,444mm57in
Ground clearance-
110mm4in
Trunk volume
450L
405L
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
62L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V88,300 rpm3,900 rpm8,550 rpm
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.5 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.7 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.3 s
18.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.6 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.4 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.8 s
11.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.7 s
13.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
184 km/h
114 mph
173 km/h
107 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
420 hp
313 kW
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8 has 99 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8: 99 hp (74 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
1,625 kg
3,583 lb
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
1,460 kg
3,219 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V84.7 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.25.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8 and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: 0.8 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8: 0.9 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
258 hp/t
193 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
529 km
329 mi
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
564 km
350 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
420 hp
313 kW
4.7 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
Power
420 hp
313 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
450 L
15.9 cu ft
Length
4,580 mm
180.3 in
Height
1,447 mm
57.0 in
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
Power
420 hp
313 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
4.7 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
5.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
258 hp/t
193 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
420 hp
313 kW
321 hp
239 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.7 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,625 kg
3,583 lb
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
450 L
15.9 cu ft
Length
4,580 mm
180.3 in
Height
1,447 mm
57.0 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
Range score
529 km
329 mi
564 km
350 mi
Trunk score
450 L
15.9 cu ft
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
258 hp/t
193 kW/t
3.9 kg/hp
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km19.25 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi30.98 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year2,888 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8

  • Has 99 hp more
  • Has 50 Nm more
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 39 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 45 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Is 165 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 34 km (21 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2
Compare selected cars
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