1996 BMW 735 vs. 1997 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 735. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 735 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 BMW 735. (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 735. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 735 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1997 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 735 (321 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 735 | 1997 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 735 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |
