1996 BMW M3 vs. 1979 BMW 725
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 725 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 BMW 725.
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 M3 (320 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 725. (215 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1979 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
