2003 BMW 530 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 47 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
