2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 528
To start off, 2012 BMW 528 is newer by 6 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2012 BMW 528. (240 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 528 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Because 2012 BMW 528 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 528 will offer significantly more control. 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 528. (352 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 528. 2012 BMW 528 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
