2003 BMW M3 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. Both 2003 BMW M3 and 2005 BMW 530 are equipped with a 2,993 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (269 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 173 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 BMW 530 (571 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 571 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
