1996 BMW 735 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 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, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 BMW 735. (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 378 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, 1996 BMW 735 (321 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 735 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 735 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
