1996 BMW 528 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 BMW 528. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 253 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 528. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
