2005 BMW 530 vs. 2003 BMW M3
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. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 BMW 530. (227 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 193 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, both vehicles can yield 300 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 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:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
