Car comparison

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8vsBMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V

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

New comparison

BMW M3 (E90)

4.0 V8

420 hp3999 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2008-2008
VS

BMW M3 Coupe (E46)

3.2i 24V

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2000-2003

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
    4.9 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
    262 hp/t
    195 kW/t
    3.8 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    450 L
  • Best overall score
    73/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100
  • Best practicality score
    73/100

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Lightest
    1,495 kg
    3,296 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.9 L/100 km
    19.8 mpg US
    23.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.8 L/100 km
    13.2 mpg US
    15.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.4 L/100 km
    28.0 mpg US
    33.6 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    529 km
    329 mi
  • Best economy score
    75/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
420hp313kW
343hp256kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
365Nm269lb-ft
Curb weight
1,605kg3,538lb
1,495kg3,296lb
Gross weight
2,150kg4,740lb
2,000kg4,409lb
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
59.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
68.4s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
5.2s
0-200 km/h
16.2s
17.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
4.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.4L/100 km19mpg US22.8mpg UK
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.9L/100 km13.1mpg US15.8mpg UK
17.8L/100 km13.2mpg US15.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.2L/100 km25.6mpg US30.7mpg UK
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.0s
Calculated
13.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
262hp/t195kW/t119hp/1000 lb
Calculated
229hp/t171kW/t104hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
249Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
244Nm/t163lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
508km316mi
Calculated
529km329mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,999cc244cu in
3,246cc198cu in
Length
4,580mm180in
4,492mm177in
Width
1,817mm72in
1,780mm70in
Height
1,447mm57in
1,372mm54in
Wheelbase
2,761mm109in
2,731mm108in
Front track
1,540mm61in
1,508mm59in
Rear track
1,539mm61in
1,525mm60in
Trunk volume
450L
410L
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
63L

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 (E46) 3.2i 24VPowerTorque
  • BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V: 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 (E46)3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
4.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
5.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.2 s
17.8 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
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.7 s
5.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
8.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.0 s
13.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
181 km/h
112 mph
175 km/h
109 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8 has 77 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8: 77 hp (57 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
365 Nm
269 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
1,605 kg
3,538 lb
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
1,495 kg
3,296 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
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 V84.9 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V5.2 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8 and BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V: 0.3 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
12.4 L/100 km
19.0 mpg US
22.8 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8: 0.5 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
262 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 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
508 km
316 mi
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
529 km
329 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
4.9 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
5.2 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/h4.9 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 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/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.4 L/100 km
19.0 mpg US
22.8 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.2 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

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
12.4 L/100 km
19.0 mpg US
22.8 mpg UK
4.9 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
5.2 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
262 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
12.4 L/100 km
19.0 mpg US
22.8 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
420 hp
313 kW
343 hp
256 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 s
5.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,605 kg
3,538 lb
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
Fuel consumption
12.4 L/100 km
19.0 mpg US
22.8 mpg UK
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 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
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
Range score
508 km
316 mi
529 km
329 mi
Trunk score
450 L
15.9 cu ft
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
262 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 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 (E46) 3.2i 24V
Consumption12.4 L/100 km19 mpg US22.8 mpg UK11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.70 LC100 km20.83 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi34.92 LC100 mi33.51 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,860 L491 US gal409 UK gal1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,255 LC/year3,124 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 (E90) 4.0 V8

  • Has 77 hp more
  • Has 35 Nm more
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 32 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 40 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 (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Is 110 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 21 km (13 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 (E46) 3.2i 24V
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