1988 BMW M3 vs. 2001 BMW 735
To start off, 2001 BMW 735 is newer by 13 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 3,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 735 (268 HP) has 47 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 735 weights approximately 735 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, 2001 BMW 735 (360 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2001 BMW 735 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 735 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2001 BMW 735 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 735 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 268 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
