1990 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1990 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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
