1978 BMW 628 vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 628 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1978 BMW 628. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 628.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 628. (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 628.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 628 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 628 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
