1988 BMW M3 vs. 1999 BMW 540
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 11 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 571 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1999 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1771 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2840 mm |
