1987 BMW 324 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1987 BMW 324. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 324 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
