1996 BMW 545 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 BMW 545. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2009 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 545 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 545 | M3 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 414 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8300 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 401 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1400 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |