1996 BMW 528 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 6 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 BMW 528. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1990 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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
