2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 BMW 535. (311 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 535.
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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| 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 | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| 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 Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
