1998 BMW 740 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1998 BMW 740. (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 443 kg more than 2009 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 63 L |
