2001 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 535
To start off, 2006 BMW 535 is newer by 5 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 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2006 BMW 535. (268 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 535 weights approximately 85 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, 2006 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3. 2006 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
