1988 BMW M3 vs. 1996 BMW 730
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 546 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1996 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1746 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
