1998 BMW Pickster vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Pickster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Pickster would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Pickster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Pickster (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2012 BMW 530. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Pickster should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 530.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Pickster. (345 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Pickster. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Pickster has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Pickster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Pickster | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Pickster | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
