1996 BMW 730 vs. 2004 BMW M3
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 197 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 2004 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
