1996 BMW M3 vs. 2007 BMW 530
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 530 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 BMW M3. 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 (320 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 530. (300 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 530. 2007 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2007 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
