1997 BMW S3 vs. 2007 BMW 530
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2007 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 530 weights approximately 302 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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, 2007 BMW 530 (500 Nm) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2007 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2007 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 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:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2007 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | S3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
