1992 BMW 740 vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 740 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1992 BMW 740. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 740 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2006 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, 1992 BMW 740 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 1992 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 740 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
