2003 BMW M3 vs. 1988 BMW 730
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1988 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 730 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 730. (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1988 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 730 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
