1988 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 20 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 300 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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
