2001 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 11 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 71 more horse power than 2012 BMW 530. (271 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 115 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 530. (310 Nm). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
