1997 BMW 730 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 BMW 730 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 730 weights approximately 449 kg more than 1988 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, 1997 BMW 730 (279 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 730 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 58 L |
