BMW M3 G80 vs Peugeot 508 W23
BMW M3
G80 · 2021 – 2026
The current M3 (G80), BMW’s high-performance saloon on the CLAR platform.
Peugeot 508
W23 · 2010 – 2018
The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.
BMW M3
Pick the G80 for the first M3 with optional M xDrive and a manual base variant — S58 pace with everyday saloon practicality.
Peugeot 508
Pick the W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.
Performance
M3 Competition · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol
| BMW M3 | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
510 hp
Winner
|
165 hp
|
| Torque |
650 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
3,9 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
220 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
111,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
230 g/km
|
150 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
6,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M3 | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
545 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.500 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,82 m
|
| Length |
4,79 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
12,2 m
|
11,2 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
1.600 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M3 | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (G80, rear-wheel drive or xDrive) | PF3 |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | 1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 5 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-cooler or seal sweating (early cars)
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
- 2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking
Pros
- Rear-wheel drive retains classic M balance
- xDrive versions are quicker and more secure in poor grip
- Usable rear seats and a 480 L boot for a performance saloon
- Roomy boot (especially SW)
- Comfortable
- Affordable used
Cons
- Big and heavy (~1,705–1,940 kg)
- Firm ride, especially in stiffer settings
- 1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
- Conventional styling
Driving experience
BMW M3
Powerful, refined and highly capable. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a highly versatile high-performance saloon that balances dynamics with everyday usability better than many predecessors.
Peugeot 508
The W23 is the 508 that replaced the 407 with a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF3 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and calm on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly when working correctly. It is a comfortable, easy saloon, not a sporty one.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
