BMW 3 Series 340i Sedan RWD vs BMW M5 Competition AWD

Under the hood, the BMW 3 Series 340i Sedan RWD’s Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine generates 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Comparatively, the BMW M5 Competition AWD’s Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine produces a prodigious 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the 340i's curb weight stands at 3,695 pounds, while the more robust M5 Competition has a curb weight of 4,370 pounds. This difference in power and weight outlines each vehicle's design philosophy, with the M5 favoring high output for performance supremacy against the more balanced power of the 340i for versatile enjoyment.

The BMW 3 Series 340i Sedan RWD comes equipped with a Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This powerplant is connected to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, directing power to the rear wheels. This setup yields an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. Conversely, the BMW M5 Competition AWD houses a more substantial Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, power is distributed through an all-wheel drive system, enabling an estimated 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. These drivetrain choices reveal distinct focuses: the 340i emphasizes a classic rear-wheel drive feel, while the M5 Competition takes advantage of its high-tech drivetrain for superior acceleration.

In terms of size, the BMW 3 Series 340i Sedan RWD measures 182.8 inches in length with a wheelbase of 110.6 inches. The BMW M5 Competition AWD, on the other hand, is noticeably longer at 195.5 inches, featuring a 117.4-inch wheelbase. As for width, the 3 Series offers 71.3 inches, while the M5 Competition spans 74.9 inches. The height of the 340i stands at 56.3 inches, compared to the M5 Competition at 57.8 inches. These dimensions suggest variations in exterior presence and potential interior space configurations, tailored to their specific roles within the BMW lineup.