1998 BMW 325 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 236 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
