2006 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2004 BMW 530. (228 HP @ 7250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 530.
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 M3 (370 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 530. (290 Nm). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2924 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
