1996 BMW M3 vs. 1989 BMW 730
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1989 BMW 730. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 32 kg more than 1989 BMW 730. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 730. (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1989 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
