2006 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 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, 2008 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
