1988 BMW 730 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1988 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1988 BMW 730. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 730. (260 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
