1996 BMW 725 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 213 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2730 mm |
