Germany vs Germany — 2008 vs 2021
| M3 E92 | M3 Competition G80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 414 hp | 503 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,999 cc | 2,993 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1 sec | 3.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 180 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.4 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Weight | 3,483 lbs | 3,814 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,761 mm | 2,857 mm |
| Length | 4,615 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Units Produced | 40,000 | — |
| Original MSRP | $58,400 | $72,800 |
| Value (Excellent) | $70,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2008 BMW M3 E92 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2021 BMW M3 Competition G80 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the BMW M3. The 2008 and 2021 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2021 BMW M3 Competition G80 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 503 hp compared to 414 hp, a 89-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW M3 uses a V8 DOHC 32V displacing 3,999 cc, while the BMW M3 Competition relies on a Inline-6 Twin-Turbocharged DOHC 24V with 2,993 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2021 BMW M3 Competition G80 edges ahead at 3.4 seconds versus 4.1 seconds. The BMW M3 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 331 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.