2006 BMW 730 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 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2006 BMW 730. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 730 weights approximately 320 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 730 (520 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 730 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
