2006 BMW 530 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 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, 2006 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
