2003 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 528
To start off, 2011 BMW 528 is newer by 8 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. 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 102 more horse power than 2011 BMW 528. (240 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 528 weights approximately 345 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 528. (311 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 528. 2011 BMW 528 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. 2011 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
