2001 BMW M3 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW M3 (502 Nm) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 530. (501 Nm). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 530. 2001 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
